Hinge structure and electronic device including the same

ABSTRACT

A hinge structure is provided. The hinge structure includes a fixed structure including a first guide rail and a second guide rail, a center of an arc of the first guide rail is a first axis of rotation parallel to an axial direction and a center of an arc of the second guide rail is a second axis of rotation parallel to the axial direction, a first rotary structure including a first guide portion accommodated in the first guide rail and a first helical groove extending around and along the first axis of rotation, a second rotary structure including a second guide portion accommodated in the second guide rail and a second helical groove extending around and along the second axis of rotation, and a sliding structure including a first guide protrusion accommodated in the first helical groove and a second guide protrusion accommodated in the second helical groove.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application number 10-2020-0092496, filed onJul. 24, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The disclosure relates to a hinge structure and an electronic deviceincluding the same.

BACKGROUND ART

A portable electronic device such as a smartphone may provide variousfunctions, such as telephone call, video playback, Internet search, andthe like, based on various types of applications. A user may want to usethe aforementioned various functions through a wider screen. However,portability may be decreased with an increase in screen size.Accordingly, to provide a wide screen while ensuring portability, afoldable electronic device including a flexible display, a partial areaof which is deformable to be curved or flat, is being developed. Thefoldable electronic device may include a hinge structure to whichadjacent housings are rotatably connected.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

A foldable electronic device may include a flexible display, at least apartial area of which is deformable to be curved or flat. With anincrease in the size of the flexible display, a restoring force (e.g., aforce by which a curved area returns to a flat area) in a folded statemay be increased. The restoring force may cause a defect in a foldingmotion and an unfolding motion of the foldable electronic device. Forexample, due to the restoring force of the flexible display, thefoldable electronic device may not be able to maintain a folded statedesired by a user.

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentionedproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to providea hinge structure for providing torque capable of cancelling out arestoring force of a display.

Technical Solution

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a hinge structure isprovided. The hinge structure includes a fixed structure including afirst guide rail having an arc shape and a second guide rail having anarc shape, in which the center of an arc of the first guide rail is afirst axis of rotation parallel to an axial direction and the center ofan arc of the second guide rail is a second axis of rotation parallel tothe axial direction, a first rotary structure that includes a firstguide portion accommodated in the first guide rail and a first helicalgroove extending around and along the first axis of rotation and thatrotates about the first axis of rotation, a second rotary structure thatincludes a second guide portion accommodated in the second guide railand a second helical groove extending around and along the second axisof rotation and that rotates about the second axis of rotation, and asliding structure that includes a first guide protrusion accommodated inthe first helical groove and a second guide protrusion accommodated inthe second helical groove and that slides in the axial directionrelative to the fixed structure as the first rotary structure and thesecond rotary structure rotate.

Advantageous Effects

The electronic device according to the embodiments of the disclosure mayinclude the hinge structure that provides torque greater than or equalto the restoring force of the display. Accordingly, a folding motion ofthe foldable electronic device or a folded state desired by a user maybe stably maintained.

Furthermore, the hinge structures according to the embodiments of thedisclosure may provide torque sufficient to cancel out the restoringforce of the display without an increase in the thickness of theelectronic device.

In addition, the disclosure may provide various effects that aredirectly or indirectly recognized.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating an unfolded state of the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a view illustrating a folded state of the electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a view illustrating a fully folded state of the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are views illustrating a fixed structure and rotarystructures of a hinge structure according to various embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a fixed structure and rotary structures ofa hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating axes of rotation of rotary structures of ahinge structure and a folding axis of a display according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating rotary structures and a sliding structureof a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating rotary structures and a sliding structureof a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views illustrating helical grooves of rotarystructures of a hinge structure according to various embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating sliding shafts and axes of rotation of ahinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a sliding motion of a sliding structureof a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a friction structure of a hinge structureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a friction structure of a hinge structureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are views illustrating a friction structure of ahinge structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views illustrating a sliding structure and a fixedstructure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 17A and 17B is a view illustrating a second friction structure ofa hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a shaft tightening member of a hingestructure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are views illustrating a shaft tightening member of ahinge structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge structureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a third friction structure of a hingestructure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a folding motion of a hinge structureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are views illustrating a third frictionstructure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating part of a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 26C are views illustrating a fourth frictionstructure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments of thedisclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components, and structures.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of thedisclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an electronic device 100 may include a firsthousing 110, a second housing 120, a hinge housing 130, a hingestructure 200, and a display 140.

In an embodiment, the first housing 110 may be connected with the secondhousing 120 through the hinge structure 200. The first housing 110 mayinclude a first plate 111 on which the display 140 is seated. Forexample, part of a first area 141 and part of a folding area 143 may bedisposed on the first plate 111. A first rotary structure 210 of thehinge structure 200 may be connected to the first plate 111. In anembodiment, at least part of the first housing 110 may be attached tothe first area 141 of the display 140. Alternatively, part of aperiphery of a front surface of the first housing 110 may be attached toa periphery of the first area 141 of the display 140. In this regard, anadhesive layer may be disposed between the first plate 111 of the firsthousing 110 and the first area 141 of the display 140.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may further include alattice structure (not illustrated) and/or a bracket (not illustrated)disposed between the display 140 and the adhesive layer. The latticestructure may include a slit area including a plurality of slits atleast partially overlapping the folding area 143. The plurality of slitsmay extend in the extension direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) ofthe folding area 143. The plurality of slits may support the foldingarea 143 that is flat in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2A) and maysupport deformation of the folding area 143 in a folding motion or anunfolding motion. In various embodiments, only part of the latticestructure or the bracket may be stacked on the display 140.

In an embodiment, at least a portion inside the first housing 110 may beprovided in a hollow form, and the first housing 110 may have, in thehollow portion thereof, electronic components (e.g., a printed circuitboard and components, such as at least one processor, at least onememory, and a battery, which are mounted on the printed circuit board)that are required for driving the electronic device 100. In anembodiment, at least part of the first housing 110 may be formed of ametallic material, or at least part of the first housing 110 may beformed of a non-metallic material. The first housing 110 may be formedof a material having a predetermined stiffness to support at least partof the display 140. In an embodiment, a portion of the first housing 110that faces the second housing 120 may include a depression, at leastpart of which has a predetermined curvature such that the hinge housing130 is disposed therein.

In an embodiment, the second housing 120 may be connected with the firsthousing 110 through the hinge structure 200. The second housing 120 mayinclude a second plate 121 on which the display 140 is seated. Forexample, part of a second area 142 and part of the folding area 143 maybe disposed on the second plate 121. A second rotary structure 220 ofthe hinge structure 200 may be connected to the second plate 121. In anembodiment, at least part of the second housing 120 may be attached tothe second area 142 of the display 140. Alternatively, part of aperiphery of a front surface of the second housing 120 may be attachedto a periphery of the second area 142 of the display 140. In thisregard, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the second plate 121of the second housing 120 and the second area 142 of the display 140. Inan embodiment, at least a portion inside the second housing 120 may beprovided in a hollow form, and the second housing 120 may have, in thehollow portion thereof, electronic components (e.g., a printed circuitboard and components, such as at least one processor, at least onememory, and a battery, which are mounted on the printed circuit board)that are required for driving the electronic device 100. In anembodiment, at least part of the second housing 120 may be formed of ametallic material, or at least part of the second housing 120 may beformed of a non-metallic material. The second housing 120 may be formedof a material having a predetermined stiffness to support at least partof the display 140. In an embodiment, a portion of the second housing120 that faces the first housing 110 may include a depression, at leastpart of which has a predetermined curvature such that the hinge housing130 is disposed therein.

In an embodiment, the hinge housing 130 may be disposed in thedepression of the first housing 110 and the depression of the secondhousing 120. The hinge housing 130 may be provided in a form extendingin the Y-axis direction as a whole. A boss for fixing the hingestructure 200 may be disposed on a partial area of an inner surface ofthe hinge housing 130.

In an embodiment, at least part of the display 140 may have flexibility.For example, the display 140 may include the first area 141 disposed onthe first housing 110, the second area 142 disposed on the secondhousing 120, and the folding area 143 located between the first area 141and the second area 142. In an embodiment, the first area 141 and thesecond area 142 may be formed to be flat, and the folding area 143 maybe deformable to be flat or curved.

In various embodiments, the hinge structure 200 may include the firstrotary structure 210 connected to the first housing 110 and the secondrotary structure 220 connected to the second housing 120. The hingestructure 200 may be configured such that the first rotary structure 210and the second rotary structure 220 are rotatable about axes of rotationthereof (e.g., the axes of rotation being parallel to the Y-axis). Forexample, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 arefolded or unfolded, the first rotary structure 210 and the second rotarystructure 220 may rotate about the axes of rotation thereof.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2B is a viewillustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to anembodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2C is a view illustrating a fullyfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

In an embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 mayrotate in opposite directions about the axes of rotation thereof. Forexample, in a folding motion performed from an unfolded state, the firsthousing 110 may rotate in the clockwise direction, and the secondhousing 120 may rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

In an embodiment, an axial direction parallel to the axes of rotation ofthe first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be defined. Theaxial direction may be defined as the extension direction of the foldingarea 143 of the display 140. For example, the axial direction may bedefined as the direction of long sides of the folding area 143. Forexample, the axial direction may refer to a direction parallel to theY-axis in FIG. 1 .

To describe states of the electronic device 100 according to embodimentsof the disclosure, a first edge P1 of the electronic device 100 and asecond edge P2 of the electronic device 100 that are parallel to theaxial direction may be defined. To describe the states of the electronicdevice 100, a third edge P3 of the electronic device 100 and a fourthedge P4 of the electronic device 100 that are perpendicular to the axialdirection may be defined. For example, the first edge P1 and the thirdedge P3 may include part of a first frame 112 of the first housing 110.For example, the second edge P2 and the fourth edge P4 may include partof a second frame 122 of the second housing 120.

Referring to FIG. 2A, an unfolded state of the electronic device 100will be described.

For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the foldingarea 143 of the display 140 is flat. For example, the unfolded state mayinclude a state in which the first area 141 and the second area 142 ofthe display 140 are formed to be flat surfaces facing the samedirection. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in whicha first normal vector n1 of the first area 141 of the display 140 and asecond normal vector n2 of the second area 142 thereof are parallel toeach other. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in whichthe third edge P3 and the fourth edge P4 form substantially one straightline. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which thethird edge P3 and the fourth edge P4 form an angle of 180 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a folded state of an electronic device 100 will bedescribed.

For example, the folded state may include a state in which the foldingarea 143 of the display 140 is curved. For example, the folded state mayinclude a state in which the first normal vector n1 of the first area141 and the second normal vector n2 of the second area 142 form apredetermined angle rather than 180 degrees. For example, the foldedstate may include a state in which the third edge P3 and the fourth edgeP4 form a predetermined angle rather than 180 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 2C, a fully folded state of the electronic device 100will be described.

For example, the fully folded state may refer to a state in which thefirst edge P1 and the second edge P2 substantially make contact witheach other, among folded states. For example, the folding area 143 inthe fully folded state may be formed to be a curved surface having agreater curvature than the folding area 143 in the folded state.

Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C, in the folded state and the fully foldedstate, at least part of the hinge housing 130 may form a surface of theelectronic device 100. For example, the hinge housing 130 may bevisually exposed between the first housing 110 and the second housing120.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a hinge structure 200 may include a fixedstructure 230, a first rotary structure 210, a second rotary structure220, and a sliding structure 240.

At least part of the fixed structure 230 may be fixedly disposed insidea hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing 130 of FIG. 1 ). The fixedstructure 230 may be formed in a form extending in the axial direction.The first rotary structure 210 may be rotatably coupled to the fixedstructure 230. For example, the fixed structure 230 may include a firstopening area 2391 to which a first coupling portion 211 of the firstrotary structure 210 is coupled. The second rotary structure 220 may berotatably coupled to the fixed structure 230. For example, the fixedstructure 230 may include a second opening area 2392 to which a secondcoupling portion 221 of the second rotary structure 220 is coupled. Thesliding structure 240 may be coupled to the fixed structure 230 so as tobe slidable in the axial direction. For example, the fixed structure 230may include a first sliding shaft 2351 and a second sliding shaft 2352,and the sliding structure 240 may be slidably coupled to the firstsliding shaft 2351 and the second sliding shaft 2352. A screw 238 forguiding a sliding range of the sliding structure 240 may be coupled tothe fixed structure 230. For example, the sliding structure 240 mayslide in a range in which the screw 238 makes contact with opposite endportions (e.g., 243-1 and 243-2 in FIG. 11 ) of a sliding groove 243.The screw 238 may be coupled to a rear surface of the fixed structure230, and at least part of the screw 238 may be accommodated in thesliding groove 243 of the sliding structure 240. The sliding structure240 may slide relative to the fixed structure 230 in the axialdirection, with the screw 238 located in the sliding groove 243.

In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 may be rotatablycoupled to the fixed structure 230 and the sliding structure 240.

In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 may be configured torotate along a predetermined path relative to the fixed structure 230when a first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of FIG. 1 ) is foldedor unfolded. In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 mayinclude the first coupling portion 211 rotatably coupled to the fixedstructure 230 and a first extending portion 212 connected to the firsthousing 110. The first coupling portion 211 may be connected to thefixed structure 230 such that the first rotary structure 210 rotatesalong the predetermined path. The first extending portion 212 may befolded or unfolded together with the first housing 110 when theelectronic device 100 is folded or unfolded. When the first housing 110is folded or unfolded, the first extending portion 212 and the firstcoupling portion 211 may rotate relative to the fixed structure 230along a predetermined rotational path formed by the first couplingportion 211 and the fixed structure 230.

In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may be configured to move inthe axial direction when the first rotary structure 210 rotates. In anembodiment, the first coupling portion 211 of the first rotary structure210 may include at least one first helical groove (e.g., first helicalgroove 214). The first helical groove 214 may be fastened with a firstguide protrusion 241 of the sliding structure 240. The first guideprotrusion 241 of the sliding structure 240 may be accommodated in thefirst helical groove 214. For example, the first helical groove 214 mayextend to have a predetermined twist angle with respect to the axialdirection. The first guide protrusion 241 may be pressed in the axialdirection by the first helical groove 214 when the first rotarystructure 210 rotates. For example, the first rotary structure 210 mayrotate in a state in which an axial movement is restricted by the firstopening area 2391 of the fixed structure 230, and the first helicalgroove 214 of the first rotary structure 210 may press the first guideprotrusion 241 of the sliding structure 240 in the axial direction.Accordingly, the sliding structure 240 may move in the axial direction.

In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220 may be rotatablycoupled to the fixed structure 230 and the sliding structure 240.

In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220 may be configured torotate along a predetermined path relative to the fixed structure 230when a second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of FIG. 1 ) isfolded or unfolded. In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220may include the second coupling portion 221 rotatably coupled to thefixed structure 230 and a second extending portion 222 connected to thesecond housing 120. The second coupling portion 221 may be connected tothe fixed structure 230 such that the second rotary structure 220rotates along the predetermined path. The second extending portion 222may be folded or unfolded together with the second housing 120 when theelectronic device 100 is folded or unfolded. When the second housing 120is folded or unfolded, the second extending portion 222 and the secondcoupling portion 221 may rotate relative to the fixed structure 230along a predetermined rotational path formed by the second couplingportion 221 and the fixed structure 230.

In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may be configured to move inthe axial direction when the second rotary structure 220 rotates. In anembodiment, the second coupling portion 221 of the second rotarystructure 220 may include at least one second helical groove (e.g.,second helical groove 224). The second helical groove 224 may befastened with a second guide protrusion 242 of the sliding structure240. The second guide protrusion 242 of the sliding structure 240 may beaccommodated in the second helical groove 224. For example, the secondhelical groove 224 may extend to have a predetermined twist angle withrespect to the axial direction. The second guide protrusion 242 may bepressed in the axial direction by the second helical groove 224 when thesecond rotary structure 220 rotates. For example, the second rotarystructure 220 may rotate in a state in which an axial movement isrestricted by the second opening area 2392 of the fixed structure 230,and the second helical groove 224 of the second rotary structure 220 maypress the second guide protrusion 242 of the sliding structure 240 inthe axial direction. Accordingly, the sliding structure 240 may move inthe axial direction.

The sliding structure 240 may link rotation of the first rotarystructure 210 and rotation of the second rotary structure 220. Forexample, the sliding structure 240 may link the first rotary structure210 and the second rotary structure 220 such that the first rotarystructure 210 and the second rotary structure 220 rotate in oppositedirections. For example, when the first rotary structure 210 rotates ina first rotational direction, the first helical groove 214 may press thefirst guide protrusion 241 to move the sliding structure to one sidealong the axial direction. When the sliding structure 240 moves to theone side along the axial direction, the second guide protrusion 242 maypress the second helical groove 224 to rotate the second rotarystructure 220 in a second rotational direction.

In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may move in the axialdirection along the first sliding shaft 2351 and the second slidingshaft 2352 fixedly disposed on the fixed structure 230. The firstsliding shaft 2351 and the second sliding shaft 2352 may pass throughthe sliding structure 240 and may guide a sliding path of the slidingstructure 240. In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may includethe sliding groove 243. The screw 238 included in the fixed structure230 may be disposed in the sliding groove 243. The screw 238 may passthrough the sliding groove 243 and may be coupled to the fixed structure230. An elastic member 251 and a first washer 252 may be coupled to thescrew 238. The elastic member 251 and the first washer 252 may slidetogether with the sliding structure 240.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are views illustrating a fixed structure and rotarystructures of a hinge structure according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a fixed structure and rotarystructures of a hinge structure according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, in an embodiment, the fixed structure 230 mayinclude a first guide rail 233 for guiding a rotational path of thefirst rotary structure 210. The first guide rail 233 may be formed on asidewall of the first opening area 2391 in which the first rotarystructure 210 is accommodated. For example, the first guide rail 233 maybe formed on at least one of opposite sidewalls of the first openingarea 2391. In an embodiment, the first guide rail 233 may have asubstantially arc shape. For example, the center of an arc of the firstguide rail 233 may form a first axis of rotation R1. Referring to thedrawings, the first axis of rotation R1 may be formed in a positionspaced apart from the fixed structure 230 and the first rotary structure210 in the Z-axis direction. In an embodiment, a first guide portion 213of the first rotary structure 210 may be accommodated in the first guiderail 233.

In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 may include the firstguide portion 213 formed on the first coupling portion 211. The firstguide portion 213, together with the first guide rail 233, may guide therotational path of the first rotary structure 210. In an embodiment, thefirst guide portion 213 may protrude from the first coupling portion 211in the axial direction. For example, at least part of the first guideportion 213 may be accommodated in the first guide rail 233. In anembodiment, the first rotary structure 210 may rotate about the firstaxis of rotation R1 in the state in which the first guide portion 213 isaccommodated in the first guide rail 233. For example, when the firstextending portion 212 is folded or unfolded together with the firsthousing 110, the first rotary structure 210 may rotate along arotational path in an arc shape having the first axis of rotation R1 asthe center thereof.

In an embodiment, the fixed structure 230 may include a second guiderail 234 for guiding a rotational path of the second rotary structure220. The second guide rail 234 may be formed on a sidewall of the secondopening area 2392 in which the second rotary structure 220 isaccommodated. For example, the second guide rail 234 may be formed on atleast one of opposite sidewalls of the second opening area 2392. In anembodiment, the second guide rail 234 may have a substantially arcshape. For example, the center of an arc of the second guide rail 234may form a second axis of rotation R2. Referring to the drawings, thesecond axis of rotation R2 may be formed in a position spaced apart fromthe fixed structure 230 and the second rotary structure 220 in theZ-axis direction. In an embodiment, a second guide portion 223 of thesecond rotary structure 220 may be accommodated in the second guide rail234.

In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220 may include the secondguide portion 223 formed on the second coupling portion 221. The secondguide portion 223, together with the second guide rail 234, may guidethe rotational path of the second rotary structure 220. In anembodiment, the second guide portion 223 may protrude from the secondcoupling portion 221 in the axial direction. For example, at least partof the second guide portion 223 may be accommodated in the second guiderail 234. In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220 may rotateabout the second axis of rotation R2 in the state in which the secondguide portion 223 is accommodated in the second guide rail 234. Forexample, when the second extending portion 222 is folded or unfoldedtogether with the second housing 120, the second rotary structure 220may rotate along a rotational path in an arc shape having the secondaxis of rotation R2 as the center thereof.

In an embodiment, the first axis of rotation R1 and the second axis ofrotation R2 may be parallel to the axial direction of the hingestructure 200.

Referring to FIG. 4B, in an unfolded state, the first extending portion212 may limit a rotational direction of the first rotary structure 210to one direction. For example, a first end portion of the first guiderail 233 may be open, and a second end portion of the first guide rail233 may be covered by the first extending portion 212. Accordingly, inthe unfolded state, the first rotary structure 210 is rotatable aboutthe first axis of rotation R1 in the clockwise direction and is notrotatable in the counterclockwise direction. Referring to FIG. 4C, inthe unfolded state, the second extending portion 222 may limit arotational direction of the second rotary structure 220 to onedirection. For example, a third end portion of the second guide rail 234may be open, and a fourth end portion of the second guide rail 234 maybe covered by the second extending portion 222. Accordingly, in theunfolded state, the second rotary structure 220 is rotatable about thesecond axis of rotation R2 in the counterclockwise direction and is notrotatable in the clockwise direction.

In an embodiment, the fixed structure 230 may have a first fixing hole2361 through which the first sliding shaft 2351 passes and a secondfixing hole 2362 through which the second sliding shaft 2352 passes. Thefirst sliding shaft 2351 and the second sliding shaft 2352 may be fixedto the fixed structure 230.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C and FIG. 5 , the first coupling portion 211may include a first side surface 211 b facing the direction of the firstaxis of rotation R1 and a first arc surface 211 a surrounding thedirection of the first axis of rotation R1. For example, the firstcoupling portion 211 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.For example, the first guide portion 213 coupled to the first guide rail233 may be formed on the first side surface 211 b, and the first helicalgroove 214 coupled to the first guide protrusion 241 may be formed onthe first arc surface 211 a. The first guide portion 213 may include aportion protruding in the direction of the first axis of rotation R1.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C and FIG. 5 , the second coupling portion 221may include a second side surface 221 b facing the direction of thesecond axis of rotation R2 and a second arc surface 221 a surroundingthe direction of the second axis of rotation R2. For example, the secondcoupling portion 221 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.For example, the second guide portion 223 coupled to the second guiderail 234 may be formed on the second side surface 221 b, and the secondhelical groove 224 coupled to the second guide protrusion 242 may beformed on the second arc surface 221 a. The second guide portion 223 mayinclude a portion protruding in the direction of the second axis ofrotation R2.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating axes of rotation of rotary structures of ahinge structure and a folding axis of a display according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in an embodiment, a first axis of rotation R1 maybe defined as the center of a rotary motion of a first rotary structure210. For example, the first axis of rotation R1 may be the center of afirst guide rail 233 having an arc shape. The first axis of rotation R1may be formed in a position substantially overlapping a display 140. Thefirst axis of rotation R1 and second axis of rotation R2 may be parallelto each other and may be located at substantially the same height in theZ-axis direction.

In an embodiment, the second axis of rotation R2 may be defined as thecenter of a rotary motion of the second rotary structure 220. The secondaxis of rotation R2 may be the center of the second guide rail 234having an arc shape. The second axis of rotation R2 may be formed in aposition substantially overlapping the display 140. The first axis ofrotation R1 and the second axis of rotation R2 may be parallel to eachother and may be located at substantially the same height in the Z-axisdirection.

In an embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 maybe folded or unfolded with the folding axis F therebetween. The foldingaxis F may be defined as the center of curvature of the folding area 143in a state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2B or the fully folded stateof FIG. 2C) in which the folding area 143 is curved. For example, in thefully folded state illustrated, the distance r between the folding axisF and the folding area 143 may be a minimum radius of curvature of thefolding area 143 as curved.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a neutral plane P may be a virtual planeoverlapping the inside of the display 140 when viewed from one side. Theneutral plane P may be a virtual plane having the same length in anunfolded state and a fully folded state. For example, the length may bea length measured from the first edge P1 to the second edge P2 of FIG.2A in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. For example, inan unfolded state, the display 140 may include a first surface 1401located in the +Z-axis direction with respect to the neutral plane P anda second surface 1402 located in the −Z-axis direction with respect tothe neutral plane P. For example, the lengths of the first surface 1401and the second surface 1402 of the display 140 may be increased ordecreased in a folding motion and an unfolding motion. For example, in afolded state, the second surface 1402 included in the folding area 143may have a larger radius of curvature than the first surface 1401 andthus may be longer than the first surface 1401. The length of the firstsurface 1401 may be decreased. In consideration of the behavior of thedisplay 140, the hinge structure 200 according to the embodiment may beconfigured such that the first axis of rotation R1 and the second axisof rotation R2 are located on the neutral plane P, the length of whichis not changed.

In an embodiment, the minimum distance r between the folding axis F andthe folding area 143 in an unfolded state may be substantially the sameas the minimum distance r between the folding axis F and the foldingarea 143 in a fully folded state. To this end, the first axis ofrotation R1 of the first rotary structure 210 and the second axis ofrotation R2 of the second rotary structure 220 may be located on theneutral plane P of the display 140. For example, referring to thedrawing, a portion of the folding area 143 may have the same height inthe Z-axis direction in a fully folded state and an unfolded state.

In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 may rotate within afirst angle range. For example, the first angle range may be a range ofmore than 90 degrees. In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220may rotate within a second angle range. For example, the second anglerange may be a range of more than 90 degrees. In an embodiment, thefirst angle range and the second angle range may be substantially thesame as each other. In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 andthe second rotary structure 220 may rotate in opposite directions aboutthe first axis of rotation R1 and the second axis of rotation R2,respectively. In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 and thesecond rotary structure 220 may be linked with each other to rotatethrough the same angle.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , a sliding structure for linking rotation ofa first rotary structure and rotation of a second rotary structure willbe described.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating rotary structures and a sliding structureof a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.8 is a view illustrating rotary structures and a sliding structure of ahinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in an embodiment, a sliding structure 240 may bemovably coupled to a first sliding shaft 2351 and a second sliding shaft2352 fixedly disposed on the fixed structure 230. The sliding structure240 may be coupled with a first rotary structure 210 and a second rotarystructure 220 such that a first guide protrusion 241 is accommodated ina first helical groove 214 of the first rotary structure 210 and thesecond guide protrusion 242 is accommodated in a second helical groove224 of the second rotary structure 220. In an embodiment, when the firstrotary structure 210 rotates about the first axis of rotation R1 in thefirst rotational direction, the sliding structure 240 may move to oneside. When the sliding structure 240 moves to the one side, the secondrotary structure 220 may rotate about the second axis of rotation R2 inthe second rotational direction opposite to the first rotationaldirection. Accordingly, the sliding structure 240 may link the firstrotary structure 210 and the second rotary structure 220 such that thefirst rotary structure 210 and the second rotary structure 220 rotate inopposite directions by the same rotation angle.

In an embodiment, the first sliding shaft 2351 may include a first fixedportion 2353 fixedly coupled to the fixed structure 230. The first fixedportion 2353 may be inserted into a first fixing groove (e.g., a firstfixing groove 2371 of FIG. 4A) of the fixed structure 230 and mayprevent a movement of the first sliding shaft 2351 in the axialdirection. When the sliding structure 240 slides, the first slidingshaft 2351 may be fixed to the fixed structure 230. The first slidingshaft 2351 may be disposed adjacent to the first guide portion 213 ofthe first rotary structure 210.

In an embodiment, the second sliding shaft 2352 may include a secondfixed portion 2354 fixedly coupled to the fixed structure 230. Thesecond fixed portion 2354 may be inserted into a second fixing groove(e.g., a second fixing groove 2372 of FIG. 4A) of the fixed structure230 and may prevent a movement of the second sliding shaft 2352 in theaxial direction. When the sliding structure 240 slides, the secondsliding shaft 2352 may be fixed to the fixed structure 230. The secondsliding shaft 2352 may be disposed adjacent to the second guide portion223 of the second rotary structure 220.

In an embodiment, the first axis of rotation R1 and the second axis ofrotation R2 may be located between an extension line of the firstsliding shaft 2351 and an extension line of the second sliding shaft2352 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

In an embodiment, the first guide portion 213 of the first rotarystructure 210 may be formed to be a curved surface having an arc shapewith the first axis of rotation R1 as the center thereof. The firsthelical groove 214 may extend along the curved surface of the firstguide portion 213. For example, the first helical groove 214 may be ahelical groove surrounding the first axis of rotation R1 and extendingin the extension direction of the first axis of rotation R1.

In an embodiment, the second guide portion 223 of the second rotarystructure 220 may be formed to be a curved surface having an arc shapewith the second axis of rotation R2 as the center thereof. The secondhelical groove 224 may extend along the curved surface of the secondguide portion 223. For example, the second helical groove 224 may be ahelical groove surrounding the second axis of rotation R2 and extendingin the extension direction of the second axis of rotation R2.

In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may link rotation of thefirst rotary structure 210 and rotation of the second rotary structure220. For example, the first rotary structure 210 and the second rotarystructure 220 may rotate in opposite directions by the same angle. In anembodiment, referring to FIG. 8 , the sliding structure 240 may move ina first axial direction {circle around (1)} as the first rotarystructure 210 rotates in the first rotational direction (e.g., theclockwise direction). The second rotary structure 220 may rotate in thesecond rotational direction (e.g., the counterclockwise direction) asthe sliding structure 240 moves in the first axial direction {circlearound (1)}. To this end, the first helical groove 214 and the secondhelical groove 224 may have substantially the same shape. For example,the first helical groove 214 and the second helical groove 224 mayextend by substantially the same length.

The hinge structure 200 according to the embodiment may be configuredsuch that the sliding structure 240 links rotation of the first rotarystructure 210 and rotation of the second rotary structure 220.Accordingly, the hinge structure 200 may have improved assemblytolerance and backlash, compared to a hinge structure configured suchthat rotary structures are linked through two idle gears. Backlash mayrefer to a gap between gear teeth of two gears when the two gears areengaged with each other. That is, the gears may move by the gap.Appropriate backlash may be required to smoothly rotate gears. The hingestructure 200 according to the embodiment may include the helicalgrooves 214 and 224 and the guide protrusions 241 and 242 rather than agear tooth form, and thus backlash may be decreased or removed.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views illustrating helical grooves of rotarystructures of a hinge structure according to various embodiments of thedisclosure. FIG. 9A is a view illustrating helical grooves using acylindrical coordinate system. FIG. 9B is a view illustrating couplingportions developed with respect to axes of rotation.

Referring to FIG. 9A, helical grooves 214 and 224 may include first endportions 214-1 and 224-1 and second end portions 214-2 and 224-2.Coupling portions 211 and 221 of rotary structures 210 and 220 may havean arc shape, and the centers of arcs of the coupling portions 211 and221 may be the first axis of rotation R1 and the second axis of rotationR2. The helical grooves 214 and 224 formed along surfaces of thecoupling portions 211 and 221 may be illustrated in the cylindricalcoordinate system.

When viewed in the cylindrical coordinate system, the helical grooves214 and 224 may extend in the axial direction along the surfaces of thecoupling portions 211 and 221 by a predetermined length D at apredetermined angle θ. For example, the first end portions 214-1 and224-1 and the second end portions 214-2 and 224-2 may be spaced apartfrom each other by the predetermined length D at the predetermined angleθ. In this case, the predetermined angle θ may be the same as themaximum rotational range illustrated in FIG. 6 . In an embodiment, thepredetermined length D may be substantially the same as the slidingrange of the sliding structure 240. In an embodiment, the predeterminedangle θ may be 90 degrees or more.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the first helical groove 214 may extend to have afirst twist angle θt1 with respect to the axial direction, and thesecond helical groove 224 may extend to have a second twist angle θt2with respect to the axial direction. In this case, the first twist angleθt1 and the second twist angle θt2 may have the same magnitude and maybe oppositely directed (θt1=−θt2).

The positive direction of the vertical axis in FIG. 9B may refer to thefirst rotational direction, and the negative direction of the verticalaxis in FIG. 9B may refer to the second rotational direction.

Referring to FIG. 9B, when a folding motion is performed from anunfolded state, the first helical groove 214 may rotate such that thefirst guide protrusion 241 relatively moves in a direction toward thesecond end portion 214-2 from the first end portion 241-1. The secondhelical groove 224 may rotate such that the second guide protrusion 242relatively moves in a direction toward the second end portion 224-2 fromthe first end portion 224-1. In an embodiment, as the first rotarystructure 210 and the second rotary structure 220 rotate, the firstguide protrusion 241 and the second guide protrusion 242 of the slidingstructure 240 may be located in the first end portions 214-1 and 224-1in an unfolded state and may be located in the second end portions 214-2and 224-2 in a fully folded state.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating sliding shafts and axes of rotation of ahinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10 , when viewed in a width direction, a first axis ofrotation R1 and a second axis of rotation R2 may be located between afirst sliding shaft 2351 and a second sliding shaft 2352. Referring toFIG. 2C together, a fully folded state may be a state in which a firstrotary structure 210 and a second rotary structure 220 are rotatedthrough 90 degrees or more from an unfolded state.

To implement a rotation angle of 90 degrees or more, the first guideprotrusion 241 may be located outward of the first axis of rotation R1when viewed in the width direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular tothe axial direction), and the second guide protrusion 242 may be locatedoutward of the second axis of rotation R2 when viewed in the widthdirection. For example, when viewed in the width direction, the firstaxis of rotation R1 and the second axis of rotation R2 may be locatedbetween the first guide protrusion 241 and the second guide protrusion242. Accordingly, the first guide protrusion 241 may be accommodated ina first helical groove (e.g., the first helical groove 214 of FIGS. 9Aand 9B) in a state (e.g., a fully folded state) in which the firstrotary structure 210 is rotated through 90 degrees or more. The secondguide protrusion 242 may be accommodated in a second helical groove(e.g., the second helical groove 224 of FIGS. 9A and 9B) in a state(e.g., a fully folded state) in which the second rotary structure 220 isrotated through 90 degrees or more. In other words, the coupling betweenthe sliding structure 240 and the first rotary structure 210 and thesecond rotary structure 220 may be maintained even when the hingestructure 200 moves to a fully folded state.

In various embodiments, the maximum rotational range of the first rotarystructure 210 and the second rotary structure 220 may be limited bylimiting the sliding range of the sliding structure 240.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a sliding motion of a sliding structureof a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The moving direction of the sliding structure 240 when the hingestructure 200 moves from an unfolded state to a fully folded state maybe defined as the first axial direction {circle around (1)}. The movingdirection of the sliding structure 240 when the hinge structure 200moves from the fully folded state to the unfolded state may be definedas the second axial direction.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a sliding structure 240 may include the slidinggroove 243. For example, the sliding groove 243 may be formed in aposition spaced apart from the first rotary structure 210 and the secondrotary structure 220 in the axial direction. The screw 238 included inthe fixed structure 230 may be disposed in the sliding groove 243. Thesliding structure 240 may slide in the axial direction in the state inwhich the screw 238 is accommodated in the sliding groove 243.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the sliding groove 243 may extend in the axialdirection. The sliding groove 243 may include a first end portion 243-1located in the second axial direction {circle around (2)} and a secondend portion 243-2 located in the first axial direction {circle around(1)}. In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may move in the firstaxial direction {circle around (1)} until the screw 238 makes contactwith the first end portion 243-1. In an embodiment, the slidingstructure 240 may move in the second axial direction {circle around (2)}until the screw 238 makes contact with the second end portion 243-2. Asdescribed above, the sliding groove 243 and the screw 238 may define thesliding range of the sliding structure 240.

In various embodiments, the length by which the sliding groove 243extends may be related to rotation angles of the first rotary structure210 and the second rotary structure 220. For example, referring to FIGS.9A and 9B together, the sliding groove 243 may have a lengthsubstantially the same as the distance D measured in the axial directionfrom the first end portion 214-1 to the second end portion 214-2 of thefirst helical groove 214 of the first rotary structure 210. For example,the sliding groove 243 may have a length substantially the same as thedistance measured in the axial direction from the first end portion224-1 to the second end portion 224-2 of the second helical groove 224of the second rotary structure 220.

Hereinafter, a friction structure of the hinge structure 200 accordingto an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 14A,14B, 14C, 15A, 15B, 16, 17A and 17B. The friction structure may be astructure for providing torque corresponding to a restoring force of thedisplay 140. For example, the restoring force of the display 140 may beapplied to the first rotary structure 210 and the second rotarystructure 220 in a folded state in which a partial area of the display140 is curved. For example, the restoring force of the display 140 maybe a force by which the display 140 returns to a flat state. Forexample, the restoring force of the display 140 may be proportional tothe size of the display 140. Accordingly, the hinge structure 200according to the embodiment may include the friction structure forproviding torque capable of cancelling out the restoring force. Inparticular, a friction structure capable of providing torque may berequired when a large display is included.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a friction structure of a hinge structureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in an embodiment, a friction structure 250 mayinclude a first washer 252 that is coupled to the screw 238 and thatmakes surface-to-surface contact with the sliding structure 240, asecond washer 253 coupled to the screw 238, and an elastic member 251disposed between the first washer 252 and the second washer 253.

In an embodiment, the screw 238 may include a body 2381 and a head 2382.For example, the body 2381 may be inserted into the fixed structure 230and may fix the screw 238 to the fixed structure 230. The body 2381 maypass through the first washer 252, the second washer 253, and theelastic member 251. The body 2381 may be located in the sliding groove243 of the sliding structure 240. For example, the body 2381 may belocated between the first end portion 243-1 and the second end portion243-2 of the sliding groove 243. The head 2382 may be formed to belarger than the body 2381. The elastic member 251 may include, forexample, a plate spring. The elastic member 251 may apply an elasticforce in the Z-axis direction. For example, the elastic member 251 maybe supported by the second washer 253 and the head 2382 of the screw 238and may press the first washer 252 toward the fixed structure 230.

In an embodiment, a first area 240 a facing toward the fixed structure230 and a second area 240 b facing away from the first area 240 a may bedefined in the sliding structure 240. The sliding groove 243 may havethe form of an opening penetrating the first area 240 a and the secondarea 240 b. The body 2381 may pass through the sliding groove 243. Thehead 2382 may be formed to be larger than the sliding groove 243. Thehead 2382 may be disposed in the second area 240 b of the slidingstructure 240. The first washer 252, the second washer 253, and theelastic member 251 may be disposed in the second area 240 b of thesliding structure 240 together with the head 2382. For example, thefirst washer 252 may make direct contact with the second area 240 b, andthe second washer 253 may make direct contact with the head 2382. Theelastic member 251 may be disposed between the first washer 252 and thesecond washer 253.

In an embodiment, a first friction surface 250 a may be formed betweenthe sliding structure 240 and the fixed structure 230, and a secondfriction surface 250 b may be formed between the sliding structure 240and the first washer 252. When the sliding structure 240 moves, africtional force may act on the first friction surface 250 a and thesecond friction surface 250 b. For example, a user may fold or unfoldthe electronic device 100 by applying a force greater than thefrictional force. For example, the frictional force may be greater thanor equal to the restoring force of the display 140. For example, in astate in which a partial area of the display 140 is curved, the display140 may remain curved without returning to a flat surface. As describedabove, the hinge structure 200 and the electronic device 100 may includethe friction structure 250 providing the surface frictional force to thesliding structure 240. Accordingly, the hinge structure 200 and theelectronic device 100 may remain in a constant state.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a friction structure of a hinge structureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 14A to 14C are viewsillustrating a friction structure of a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a first area 240 a, which is an area around thesliding groove 243, may be defined in a sliding structure 240. A facingarea 230 a that faces the first area 240 a and that forms surfacefriction with the first area 240 a when the sliding structure 240 movesmay be defined in the fixed structure 230.

Referring to FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B, and 14C, a friction structure 250 mayinclude a first washer 252, a second washer 253, an elastic member 251,first protrusions 240 p formed on the first area 240 a, and secondprotrusions 230 p formed on the facing area 230 a. Depending on amovement of the sliding structure 240, the first protrusions 240 p andthe second protrusions 230 p may make surface-to-surface contact witheach other, or may be alternately disposed.

Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14C, a body 2381 of a screw 238 may be fixedlycoupled to a fixed structure 230. For example, the body 2381 of thescrew 238 may be inserted into a fixing hole 2383. The body 2381 of thescrew 238 may pass through the first washer 252, the second washer 253,and the elastic member 251. The first washer 252 may be supported by thesliding structure 240, and the second washer 253 may be supported by thehead 2382 of the screw 238. The elastic member 251 may be disposedbetween the first washer 252 and the second washer 253 to apply anelastic force to the first washer 252 and the second washer 253.

FIG. 14A illustrates an unfolded state of a hinge structure, and FIG.14C illustrates a fully folded state of a hinge structure. FIG. 14Billustrates a free-stop state.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, to 2C and FIGS. 14A to 14C, the free-stop statemay include any state (e.g., the folded state illustrated in FIG. 2B)between the unfolded state and the fully folded state. For example, thefree-stop state may include a state in which the folding area 143 of thedisplay 140 remains curved. For example, the free-stop state may includea state in which the folding area 143 of the display 140 is curved andthe first edge P1 of the first housing 110 and the second edge P2 of thesecond housing 120 are spaced apart from each other. For example, thefree-stop state may include a state in which the third edge P3 of thefirst housing 110 and the fourth edge P4 of the second housing 120 forman angle greater than that in the fully folded state.

In the unfolded state illustrated in FIG. 14A, the first protrusions 240p may be alternately engaged with the second protrusions 230 p. Forexample, the first protrusions 240 p may make contact with the facingarea 230 a where the second protrusions 230 p are not formed. In thiscase, the first area 240 a of the sliding structure 240 and the facingarea 230 a of the fixed structure 230 may be spaced apart from eachother by a first gap G1 in the Z-axis direction. The elastic member 251may be in a compressed state so as to apply a predetermined elasticforce to the sliding structure 240. For example, in the unfolded state,the elastic member 251 may be uncompressed, as compared with when thehinge structure 200 is in the free-stop state illustrated in FIG. 14B.

In the free-stop state illustrated in FIG. 14B, the first protrusions240 p may make surface-to-surface contact with the second protrusions230 p. In this case, the first area 240 a of the sliding structure 240and the facing area 230 a of the fixed structure 230 may be spaced apartfrom each other by a second gap G2 in the Z-axis direction. The secondgap G2 may be greater than the first gap G1. Accordingly, in thefree-stop state, the elastic member 251 may be compressed, as comparedwith when the hinge structure 200 is in the unfolded state illustratedin FIG. 14A. An elastic force greater than that in the unfolded stateillustrated in FIG. 14A may act on the sliding structure 240.

In the fully folded state illustrated in FIG. 14C, the first protrusions240 p may be engaged with the second protrusions 230 p. For example, thefirst protrusions 240 p may make contact with the facing area 230 awhere the second protrusions 230 p are not formed. In this case, thefirst area 240 a of the sliding structure 240 and the facing area 230 aof the fixed structure 230 may be spaced apart from each other by athird gap G3 in the Z-axis direction. The third gap G3 may be smallerthan the second gap G2. Accordingly, in the fully folded state, theelastic member 251 may be uncompressed, as compared with when the hingestructure 200 is in the free-stop state illustrated in FIG. 14B. Anelastic force smaller than that in the free-stop state illustrated inFIG. 14B may act on the sliding structure 240.

In an embodiment, the elastic force applied to the sliding structure 240by the elastic member 251 may be related to a frictional force betweenthe sliding structure 240 and the fixed structure 230. For example, thefrictional force between the sliding structure 240 and the fixedstructure 230 may increase as the elastic force increases. Accordingly,the frictional force between the sliding structure 240 and the fixedstructure 230 may increase as the elastic member 251 is compressed. Forexample, in a folded state, the frictional force between the slidingstructure 240 and the fixed structure 230 may be greater than that in afully folded state or an unfolded state. For example, the increasedfrictional force in the folded state may cancel out the restoring forceof the display 140, the folding area 143 of which is curved.Accordingly, the electronic device 100 may stably maintain the foldedstate in which the folding area 143 is curved.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are views illustrating a sliding structure and a fixedstructure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 15A illustrates a motion in which a hinge structure moves from anunfolded state to a free-stop state and a motion in which a hingestructure moves from the free-stop state to the unfolded state.

Referring to FIG. 15A, first inclined surfaces 240 c of the firstprotrusions 240 p may move in a first direction D1. Referring to FIGS.14A to 14C together, the gap between the sliding structure 240 and thefixed structure 230 may increase (first gap G1→second gap G2), and anelastic member (e.g., the elastic member 251 of FIGS. 14A to 14C) may becompressed. Accordingly, to move from the unfolded state to thefree-stop state, the electronic device 100 and/or the hinge structure200 may require a relatively large force to compress the elastic member251. When a relatively small force is applied, the electronic device 100and/or the hinge structure 200 in the unfolded state may remain unfoldedwithout moving to the free-stop state (e.g., without being folded). Forexample, a user needs to apply a force sufficient to fold the electronicdevice 100.

Referring to FIG. 15A, the first inclined surfaces 240 c of the firstprotrusions 240 p may move in a second direction D2. Referring to FIGS.14A to 14C together, the gap between the sliding structure 240 and thefixed structure 230 may decrease (second gap G2→first gap G1), and thecompressed elastic member 251 may be uncompressed. As the compressedelastic member 251 is uncompressed, the elastic member 251 may press thefirst protrusions 240 p in the second direction D2. Accordingly, theelectronic device 100 and/or the hinge structure 200 may move from thefree-stop state to the unfolded state with a relatively small force. Forexample, when the electronic device 100 and/or the hinge structure 200moves from the free-stop state to the unfolded state, elastic energy ofthe elastic member 251 may be converted into kinetic energy, and thusthe electronic device 100 and/or the hinge structure 200 may rapidlymove to the unfolded state.

FIG. 15B illustrates a motion in which a hinge structure moves from afully folded state to a free-stop state and a motion in which a hingestructure moves from a free-stop state to a fully folded state.

Referring to FIG. 15B, first inclined surfaces 240 c of firstprotrusions 240 p may move in a third direction D3. Referring to FIGS.14A to 14C together, the gap between a sliding structure 240 and a fixedstructure 230 may increase (third gap G3→second gap G2), and the elasticmember 251 may be compressed. Accordingly, to move from the fully foldedstate to the free-stop state, the electronic device 100 and/or a hingestructure 200 may require a relatively large force to compress theelastic member 251. When a relatively small force is applied, theelectronic device 100 and/or the hinge structure 200 in the fully foldedstate may remain fully folded without moving to the free-stop state(e.g., without being unfolded). For example, the user needs to apply aforce sufficient to unfold the electronic device 100.

Referring to FIG. 15B, first inclined surfaces 240 c of firstprotrusions 240 p may move in a fourth direction D4. Referring to FIGS.14A to 14C together, the gap between the sliding structure 240 and thefixed structure 230 may decrease (second gap G2→third gap G3), and thecompressed elastic member 251 may be uncompressed. As the compressedelastic member 251 is uncompressed, the elastic member 251 may press thefirst protrusions 240 p in the fourth direction D4. Accordingly, theelectronic device 100 and/or the hinge structure 200 may move from thefree-stop state to the fully folded state with a relatively small force.For example, when at least one of the electronic device 100 or the hingestructure 200 moves from the free-stop state to the fully folded state,elastic energy of the elastic member 251 may be converted into kineticenergy, and thus the electronic device 100 and/or the hinge structure200 may rapidly move to the fully folded state.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the hinge structure 200 according to theembodiment may include the first protrusions 240 p of the slidingstructure 240 and the second protrusions 230 p of the fixed structure230 that are engaged with the first protrusions 240 p and may beconfigured to rapidly move to an unfolded state or a fully folded statewhen deviating from a free-stop state. Furthermore, the hinge structure200 having moved to the unfolded state or the fully folded state mayremain unfolded or fully folded, when a sufficient force required fordeviation from the unfolded state or the fully folded state is notapplied. Through the above-described motion of the hinge structure 200,the user may recognize that the unfolded state or the fully folded stateof the electronic device 100 is firmly maintained.

Furthermore, when the hinge structure 200 moves from the free-stop stateto the unfolded state or the fully folded state, the first protrusions240 p may rapidly move toward the facing area 230 a of the fixedstructure 230 along second inclined surfaces 230 c and may collide withthe facing area 230 a, and the second protrusions 230 p may rapidly movetoward the first area 240 a of the sliding structure 240 along the firstinclined surfaces 240 c and may collide with the facing area 230 a. Thehinge structure 200 may provide sound or vibration depending on thecollision to the user, thereby enabling the user to recognize that theelectronic device 100 successfully reaches the unfolded state and thefully folded state.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 17A and 17B, is a view illustratinga second friction structure of a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16 and FIGS. 17A and 17B, a hinge structure 200according to an embodiment may include a fixed structure 230, a slidingstructure 240, a first rotary structure 210, a second rotary structure220, and the second friction structure 350. The fixed structure 230, thesliding structure 240, the first rotary structure 210, and the secondrotary structure 220 are substantially the same as those described abovewith reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, and 10 .Therefore, the following description will be focused on the secondfriction structure 350.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the second friction structure 350 may includeextending shafts 351 and 352 extending from the fixed structure 230 toopposite sides in an axial direction and shaft tightening members 353and 354 included in the sliding structure 240 and coupled to theextending shafts 351 and 352.

In an embodiment, the extending shafts 351 and 352 may include a firstextending shaft 351 extending from the fixed structure 230 in a firstaxial direction {circle around (1)} and a second extending shaft 352extending from the fixed structure 230 in a second axial direction{circle around (2)}. The first extending shaft 351 and the secondextending shaft 352 may be fixed together with the fixed structure 230.

In an embodiment, the first extending shaft 351 may pass through thesliding structure 240. For example, the sliding structure 240 may slidealong the first extending shaft 351. In an embodiment, the firstextending shaft 351 may pass through the first shaft tightening member353. For example, the first shaft tightening member 353 may be press-fitonto the first extending shaft 351.

In an embodiment, the second extending shaft 352 may pass through thesliding structure 240. For example, the sliding structure 240 may slidealong the second extending shaft 352. In an embodiment, the secondextending shaft 352 may pass through the second shaft tightening member354. For example, the second shaft tightening member 354 may bepress-fit onto the second extending shaft 352.

In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may include a first plate2481 and a second plate 2482. For example, the first plate 2481 and thesecond plate 2482 may be located in the first axial direction {circlearound (1)} from a second guide protrusion 242 of the sliding structure240. The first shaft tightening member 353 may be disposed between thefirst plate 2481 and the second plate 2482.

In an embodiment, a first through-hole 3591 may be formed through thefirst plate 2481 and the second plate 2482 of the sliding structure 240.The first extending shaft 351 may be inserted into the firstthrough-hole 3591. The first through-hole 3591 may be aligned with ahole (e.g., hole 3532 of FIG. 19B) of the first shaft tightening member353. The first shaft tightening member 353 may be disposed between thefirst plate 2481 and the second plate 2482 such that the hole is alignedwith the first through-hole 3591.

In an embodiment, the sliding structure 240 may include a third plate2483 and a fourth plate 2484. For example, the third plate 2483 and thefourth plate 2484 may be located in the second axial direction {circlearound (2)} from a first guide protrusion 241 of the sliding structure240. The second shaft tightening member 354 may be disposed between thethird plate 2483 and the fourth plate 2484.

In an embodiment, a second through-hole 3592 may be formed through thethird plate 2483 and the fourth plate 2484 of the sliding structure 240.The second extending shaft 352 may be inserted into the secondthrough-hole 3592. The second through-hole 3592 may be aligned with ahole (e.g., the hole 3532 of FIG. 19B) of the second shaft tighteningmember 354. The second shaft tightening member 354 may be disposedbetween the third plate 2483 and the fourth plate 2484 such that thehole is aligned with the second through-hole 3592.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a thread 3512 fastened into the fixedstructure 230 may be formed on the first extending shaft 351, and acorresponding thread may be formed in the fixed structure 230. Thelength by which the first extending shaft 351 extends from the fixedstructure 230 may be changed by varying the length by which the thread3512 and the corresponding thread are fastened with each other. Forexample, the extension length of the first extending shaft 351 may bedecreased when the first extending shaft 351 is fastened deeper into thefixed structure 230.

In an embodiment, the first extending shaft 351 may have a first head3511. For example, the first head 3511 may be formed on an end portionof the first extending shaft 351 that faces the first axial direction{circle around (1)}. The first head 3511 may define a sliding range ofthe sliding structure 240 in the first axial direction {circle around(1)}. In an embodiment, the first head 3511 may be formed to be largerthan the first through-hole 3591 so as not to be inserted into the firstthrough-hole 3591 of the sliding structure 240.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a thread 3522 fastened into the fixedstructure 230 may be formed on the second extending shaft 352, and acorresponding thread may be formed in the fixed structure 230. Thelength by which the second extending shaft 352 extends from the fixedstructure 230 may be changed by varying the length by which the thread3522 and the corresponding thread are fastened with each other. Forexample, the extension length of the second extending shaft 352 may bedecreased when the second extending shaft 352 is fastened deeper intothe fixed structure 230.

In an embodiment, the second extending shaft 352 may have a second head3521. For example, the second head 3521 may be formed on an end portionof the second extending shaft 352 that faces the second axial direction{circle around (2)}. The second head 3521 may define a sliding range ofthe sliding structure 240 in the second axial direction {circle around(2)}. In an embodiment, the second head 3521 may be formed to be largerthan the second through-hole 3592 so as not to be inserted into thesecond through-hole 3592 of the sliding structure 240.

In an embodiment, the first head 3511 and the second head 3521 mayfunction as stoppers defining a sliding range of the sliding structure240. The sliding structure 240 may be movable in the first axialdirection {circle around (1)} until the second plate 2482 makes contactwith the first head 3511 and may be movable in the second axialdirection {circle around (2)} until the fourth plate 2484 makes contactwith the second head 3521. For example, the sliding range of the slidingstructure 240 in the first axial direction {circle around (1)} may bechanged by varying the length by which the first extending shaft 351 isscrew-coupled to the fixed structure 230. For example, the sliding rangeof the sliding structure 240 in the second axial direction {circlearound (2)} may be changed by varying the length by which the secondextending shaft 352 is screw-coupled to the fixed structure 230.

As described above, in the hinge structure 200 according to theembodiment, the extending shafts 351 and 352 may be screw-coupled to thefixed structure 230. Accordingly, the extension lengths of the firstextending shaft 351 and the second extending shaft 352 may be easilychanged, and the sliding range of the sliding structure 240 may beeasily changed. Furthermore, rotation angles of the first rotarystructure 210 and the second rotary structure 220 linked with thesliding range may be easily changed.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a shaft tightening member of a hingestructure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 19A and19B are views illustrating a shaft tightening member of a hingestructure according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 18, 19A, and 19B, a first extending shaft 351 and afirst shaft tightening member 353 are illustrated. However, thefollowing description may be identically applied to a second extendingshaft 352 and a second shaft tightening member 354.

In an embodiment, the first shaft tightening member 353 may slide in theaxial direction together with the sliding structure 240 in the state ofbeing disposed between the first plate 2481 and the second plate 2482 ofthe sliding structure 240. In an embodiment, a nut 355 may be fastenedto the first shaft tightening member 353. For example, a thread 3531 maybe formed on an outer circumferential surface of the first shafttightening member 353, and a thread corresponding to the thread 3531 maybe formed on an inner circumferential surface of the nut 355.

FIG. 19A is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 18 . FIG. 19Bis a view illustrating a surface of a first shaft tightening memberfacing an axial direction.

Referring to FIG. 19A, a first shaft tightening member 353 may becoupled to a first extending shaft 351. For example, the first extendingshaft 351 may pass through the first shaft tightening member 353. Forexample, the first shaft tightening member 353 may be press-fit onto thefirst extending shaft 351.

In an embodiment, the nut 355 may be coupled to the thread 3531 of thefirst shaft tightening member 353. The area where the first shafttightening member 353 is press-fit onto the first extending shaft 351may include the area where the nut 355 is located. The nut 355 may pressthe first shaft tightening member 353 such that the first shafttightening member 353 is press-fit onto the first extending shaft 351.

Referring to FIG. 19B, a first shaft tightening member 353 may have aninner diameter substantially the same as, or smaller than, the diameterof the first extending shaft 351. For ease of assembly with the firstextending shaft 351, a slit 3533 may be formed in the first shafttightening member 353. The slit 3533 may extend from a surface 353 a ofthe first shaft tightening member 353 that faces toward the firstextending shaft 351 to an inner circumferential surface 353 b of thefirst shaft tightening member 353. The slit 3533 may extend along theextension direction of the first extending shaft 351. The slit 3533 mayinclude a plurality of slits 3533 located in different radial directionswith respect to the central axis of the first extending shaft 351. Forexample, referring to FIG. 19B, each of the plurality of slits 3533 mayform an angle of 90 degrees with an adjacent slit 3533. However, thenumber of slits 3533 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 19B.

In an embodiment, the slits 3533 may be formed such that the gaptherebetween is increased in the radial directions when the firstextending shaft 351 is inserted into the first shaft tightening member353. The first extending shaft 351 may be inserted into the hole 3532 ofthe first shaft tightening member 353 by the slits 3533. In anembodiment, the nut 355 may tighten the slits 3533 such that the innercircumferential surface 353 b of the first shaft tightening member 353presses the outer circumferential surface of the first extending shaft351 inserted into the hole 3532.

Referring to FIG. 19B, the hinge structure 200 may be configured suchthat the area by which the first shaft tightening member 353 ispress-fit onto the first extending shaft 351 is changed by adjusting theposition of the nut 355. The area by which the first shaft tighteningmember 353 is press-fit onto the first extending shaft 351 may beproportional to a frictional force between the sliding structure 240 andthe fixed structure 230. As described above, the hinge structure 200 mayprovide various torques through a simple change in the position of thenut 355.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective viewillustrating a hinge structure according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a third friction structure ofa hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 22is an enlarged view illustrating an inside of portion A in FIG. 20 .

Referring to FIG. 20 , in an embodiment, a hinge structure 200 mayinclude a fixed structure 230, a first rotary structure 210, a secondrotary structure 220, a sliding structure 240, and an arm structure 301.

The fixed structure 230, the first rotary structure 210, the secondrotary structure 220, and the sliding structure 240 illustrated aresubstantially the same as those described above with reference to FIGS.3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9A and 9B. For example, the first rotarystructure 210 and the second rotary structure 220 may be coupled to thefixed structure 230 so as to rotate about the first axis of rotation R1and the second axis of rotation R2, respectively. The sliding structure240 may be slidably coupled to the fixed structure 230 so as to link therotation of the first rotary structure 210 and the rotation of thesecond rotary structure 220.

In an embodiment, the hinge structure 200 may further include the armstructure 301 and the third friction structure.

In an embodiment, the arm structure 301 may include first arms 310,second arms 320, first arm shafts 311, second arm shafts 321, a firstsliding pin 312, and second sliding pins 322. The first arm shafts 311,the second arm shafts 321, the first sliding pin 312, and the secondsliding pins 322 may extend parallel to an axial direction.

In an embodiment, the hinge structure 200 may include fixing members 330disposed on the fixed structure 230 in a first axial direction {circlearound (1)} and a second axial direction {circle around (2)}. The fixingmembers 330 may be configured to support rotation of the first armshafts 311 and the second arm shafts 321.

In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 may include a firstcoupling portion 211 rotatably coupled to the fixed structure 230, thefirst extending portion 212 that extends from the first coupling portion211 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and that isconnected to a first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 of FIG. 1 ),and a plurality of first friction portions (i.e., first frictionportions 216) generating friction with first friction plates 361. Thefirst friction portions 216 may extend from the first extending portion212 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The firstcoupling portion 211 may be accommodated in the first opening area 2391of the fixed structure 230. A first guide portion (e.g., the first guideportion 213 of FIG. 4B) may be formed on the first coupling portion 211.

In an embodiment, first sliding grooves 215 may be formed in sidesurfaces of the first friction portions 216 that face the axialdirection. The first sliding pin 312 and first fixing pins 313 may beaccommodated in the first sliding grooves 215. The first sliding grooves215 may form a sliding path of the first sliding pin 312 and the firstfixing pins 313 when the first rotary structure 210 and the first arms310 rotate. In an embodiment, the first friction plates 361 may bedisposed between the first friction portions 216 in the axial direction.The first friction portions 216 and the first friction plates 361 may beconfigured to make surface-to-surface contact with each other.

In an embodiment, the first arms 310 may be coupled to the fixingmembers 330 so as to rotate together with the first rotary structure 210relative to the fixed structure 230. The first arms 310 may beconfigured to slide relative to the first rotary structure 210 when thefirst rotary structure 210 rotates about the first axis of rotation R1.In an embodiment, the first arms 310 may rotate about the first armshafts 311 fastened to the fixing members 330. The first arms 310 may bedisposed on one side or opposite sides of the first rotary structure 210in the axial direction. The first sliding pin 312 and the first fixingpins 313 may rotate about the first arm shafts 311 together with thefirst arms 310. In an embodiment, the first arms 310 may slide relativeto the first rotary structure 210 in the state in which the firstsliding pin 312 are accommodated in the first sliding grooves 215 of thefirst rotary structure 210. For example, the first sliding pin 312 andthe first fixing pins 313 may move along the first sliding grooves 215when the first arms 310 and the first rotary structure 210 rotate.

In an embodiment, first through-holes 3141 and second through-holes 3142may be formed through the first arms 310 and the first friction plates361. For example, the first sliding pin 312 may be inserted into thefirst through-holes 3141, and the first fixing pins 313 may be insertedinto the second through-holes 3142. Accordingly, the first arms 310 andthe first friction plates 361 may be configured to rotate together aboutthe first arm shafts 311. Furthermore, the first sliding pin 312 and thefirst fixing pins 313 may further extend into the first sliding grooves215 formed in the first friction portions 216 and may be configured suchthat the first arms 310 and the first friction plates 361 slide togetherrelative to the first rotary structure 210 when the first rotarystructure 210 rotates.

In an embodiment, first elastic members 318 and first nut members 319may be coupled to the first sliding pin 312. The first nut members 319may be disposed on end portions of the first sliding pin 312, and thefirst elastic members 318 may be disposed between the first arms 310 andthe first nut members 319. The first elastic members 318 may besupported on the first nut members 319 and may apply elastic forces tothe first friction plates 361 or the first arms 310 in the axialdirection. When the first arms 310 and the first rotary structure 210are repeatedly driven, the first friction plates 361 and the firstfriction portions 216 may be worn. When the wear is accumulated, thefirst friction plates 361 and the first friction portions 216 may notform sufficient frictional forces. The first elastic members 318 and thefirst nut members 319 may compensate for an amount of wear by pressingat least one of the first friction plates 361 or the first frictionportions 216 such that the first friction plates 361 and the firstfriction portions 216 form sufficient frictional forces.

In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220 may include the secondcoupling portion 221 rotatably coupled to the fixed structure 230, thesecond extending portion 222 that extends from the second couplingportion 221 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and thatis connected to a second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 of FIG. 1), and a plurality of second friction portions (e.g., second frictionportions 226) generating friction with second friction plates 362. Thesecond friction portions 226 may extend from the second extendingportion 222 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Thesecond coupling portion 221 may be accommodated in the second openingarea 2392 of the fixed structure 230. A second guide portion (e.g., thesecond guide portion 223 of FIG. 4C) may be formed on the secondcoupling portion 221.

In an embodiment, second sliding grooves 225 may be formed in sidesurfaces of the second friction portions 226 that face the axialdirection. The second sliding pins 322 and second fixing pins 323 may beaccommodated in the second sliding grooves 225. The second slidinggrooves 225 may form a sliding path of the second sliding pins 322 andthe second fixing pins 323 when the second rotary structure 220 and thesecond arms 320 rotate. In an embodiment, the second friction plates 362may be disposed between the second friction portions 226 in the axialdirection. The second friction portions 226 and the second frictionplates 362 may be configured to make surface-to-surface contact witheach other.

In an embodiment, the second arms 320 may be coupled to the fixingmembers 330 so as to rotate together with the second rotary structure220 relative to the fixed structure 230. The second arms 320 may beconfigured to slide relative to the second rotary structure 220 when thesecond rotary structure 220 rotates about the second axis of rotationR2. In an embodiment, the second arms 320 may rotate about the secondarm shafts 321 fastened to the fixing members 330. The second arms 320may be disposed on one side or opposite sides of the second rotarystructure 220 in the axial direction. The second sliding pins 322 andthe second fixing pins 323 may rotate about the second arm shafts 321together with the second arms 320. In an embodiment, the second arms 320may slide relative to the second rotary structure 220 in the state inwhich the second sliding pins 322 are accommodated in the second slidinggrooves 225 of the second rotary structure 220. For example, the secondsliding pins 322 and the second fixing pins 323 may move along thesecond sliding grooves 225 when the second arms 320 and the secondrotary structure 220 rotate.

In an embodiment, third through-holes 3241 and fourth through-holes 3242may be formed through the second arms 320 and the second friction plates362. For example, the second sliding pins 322 may be inserted into thethird through-holes 3241, and the second fixing pins 323 may be insertedinto the fourth through-holes 3242. Accordingly, the second arms 320 andthe second friction plates 362 may be configured to rotate togetherabout the second arm shafts 321. Furthermore, the second sliding pins322 and the second fixing pins 323 may further extend into the secondsliding grooves 225 formed in the second friction portions 226 and maybe configured such that the second arms 320 and the second frictionplates 362 slide together relative to the second rotary structure 220when the second rotary structure 220 rotates.

In an embodiment, second elastic members 328 and second nut members 329may be coupled to the second sliding pins 322. The second nut members329 may be disposed on end portions of the second sliding pins 322, andthe second elastic members 328 may be disposed between the second arms320 and the second nut members 329. The second elastic members 328 maybe supported on the second nut members 329 and may apply elastic forcesto the second friction plates 362 or the second arms 320 in the axialdirection. When the second arms 320 and the second rotary structure 220are repeatedly driven, the second friction plates 362 and the secondfriction portions 226 may be worn. When the wear is accumulated, thesecond friction plates 362 and the second friction portions 226 may notform sufficient frictional forces. The second elastic members 328 andthe second nut members 329 may compensate for an amount of wear bypressing at least one of the second friction plates 362 or the secondfriction portions 226 such that the second friction plates 362 and thesecond friction portions 226 form sufficient frictional forces.

In an embodiment, the third friction structure may include the firstfixing pins 313, the second fixing pins 323, the first friction plates361, and the second friction plates 362.

In an embodiment, the first friction plates 361 may be configured to berotatable about the first arm shafts 311 together with the first arms310 and slidable relative to the first rotary structure 210. Forexample, the first friction plates 361 may rotate together with thefirst arms 310 through the first fixing pins 313 and the first slidingpin 312. For example, the first sliding pin 312 may extend into thefirst sliding grooves 215 through the first through-holes 3141penetrating the first friction plates 361 and the first arms 310. Thefirst fixing pins 313 may extend into the first sliding grooves 215through the second through-holes 3142 penetrating the first frictionplates 361 and the first arms 310. For example, when the first arms 310and the first rotary structure 210 rotate, the first friction plates 361may rotate along the same rotational path as the rotational path of thefirst arms 310. In an embodiment, the first friction plates 361 may bedisposed to make contact with the first friction portions 216 of thefirst rotary structure 210 in the axial direction. For example, at leastparts of the first friction plates 361 may be disposed between the firstfriction portions 216. In an embodiment, the first fixing pins 313 andthe first sliding pin 312 may pass through the first friction plates361. For example, the first fixing pins 313 and the first sliding pin312 may pass through the first sliding grooves 215 of the first frictionportions 216 and may pass through the first friction plates 361. In anembodiment, when the first rotary structure 210 and the first arms 310rotate, the first arms 310 and the first friction plates 361 may sliderelative to the first rotary structure 210 in a direction perpendicularto the axial direction. At this time, surface friction may be generatedbetween the first friction plates 361 and the first friction portions216 of the first rotary structure 210.

In an embodiment, the second friction plates 362 may be configured to berotatable about the second arm shafts 321 together with the second arms320 and slidable relative to the second rotary structure 220. Forexample, the second friction plates 362 may rotate together with thesecond arms 320 through the second fixing pins 323 and the secondsliding pins 322. For example, the second sliding pins 322 may extendinto the second sliding grooves 225 through the third through-holes 3241penetrating the second friction plates 362 and the second arms 320. Thesecond fixing pins 323 may extend into the second sliding grooves 225through the fourth through-holes 3242 penetrating the second frictionplates 362 and the second arms 320. In an embodiment, when the secondarms 320 and the second rotary structure 220 rotate, the second frictionplates 362 may rotate along the same rotational path as the rotationalpath of the second arms 320. In an embodiment, the second frictionplates 362 may be disposed to make contact with the second frictionportions 226 of the second rotary structure 220 in the axial direction.For example, at least parts of the second friction plates 362 may bedisposed between the second friction portions 226. In an embodiment, thesecond fixing pins 323 and the second sliding pins 322 may pass throughthe second friction plates 362. For example, the second fixing pins 323and the second sliding pins 322 may pass through the second slidinggrooves 225 of the second friction portions 226 and may pass through thesecond friction plates 362. In an embodiment, when the second rotarystructure 220 and the second arms 320 rotate, the second arms 320 andthe second friction plates 362 may slide relative to the second rotarystructure 220 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Atthis time, surface friction may be generated between the second frictionplates 362 and the second friction portions 226 of the second rotarystructure 220.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a folding motion of a hinge structureaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. In FIG. 23 , the fixedstructure 230 and the sliding structure 240 of the hinge structure 200illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 22 are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 23 , when a hinge structure 200 is folded or unfolded,rotary structures 210 and 220 and arms 310 and 320 may rotate aboutdifferent axes. For example, the rotary structures 210 and 220 and thearms 310 and 320 may rotate along different rotational paths. Due to thedifference in rotational path between the rotary structures 210 and 220and the arms 310 and 320, the arms 310 and 320 may slide when the hingestructure 200 is folded or unfolded.

Referring to FIG. 23 , friction portions 216 and 226 of the rotarystructures 210 and 220 may be integrally formed with the extendingportions 212 and 222, or may be formed so as to be detachable from theextending portions 212 and 222. For example, the rotary structures 210and 220 may further include third fixing pins 217 for coupling theseparate friction portions 216 and 226 with the extending portions 212and 222.

In an embodiment, the first rotary structure 210 may rotate about thefirst axis of rotation R1 in a first rotational direction. For example,in a folding motion, the first rotary structure 210 may rotate in theclockwise direction. For example, based on an unfolded state, the pointwhere the first sliding pin 312 is located in the first rotary structure210 may be defined as a first point A1. In folding and unfoldingmotions, the first point A1 of the first rotary structure 210 may movealong a first rotational path Z1.

Referring to FIG. 23 , the first arms 310 and the first sliding pin 312may rotate about the first arm shafts 311. For example, in a foldingmotion, the first arms 310 and the first sliding pin 312 may rotate inthe clockwise direction. For example, in an unfolded state, the firstsliding pin 312 may be located at the first point A1, and in a foldedstate, the first sliding pin 312 may be located at a position spacedapart from the first point A1 in a direction perpendicular to the axialdirection. The first sliding pin 312 may move along a second rotationalpath Z2 in folding and unfolding motions.

In various embodiments, the first rotational path Z1 and the secondrotational path Z2 may differ from each other. For example, the firstaxis of rotation R1 and the first arm shafts 311 may be parallel to eachother, but may not be in agreement with each other, and the radii ofrotation of the first rotary structure 210 and the first arms 310 maynot be in agreement with each other.

Accordingly, in folding and unfolding motions, the first arms 310 andthe first sliding pin 312 may slide relative to the first rotarystructure 210. The sliding motion of the first sliding pin 312 and thefirst arms 310 may be guided as the first sliding pin 312 isaccommodated in the first sliding groove 215 of the first rotarystructure 210. In an embodiment, when a folding motion is performed froman unfolded state, the distance between the first sliding pin 312 andthe first point A1 may increase. When an unfolding motion is performedfrom a fully folded state, the distance between the first sliding pin312 and the first point A1 may decrease.

In an embodiment, the second rotary structure 220 may rotate about thesecond axis of rotation R2 in a second rotational direction. Forexample, in a folding motion, the second rotary structure 220 may rotatein the counterclockwise direction. For example, based on an unfoldedstate, the point where the second sliding pins 322 are located in thesecond rotary structure 220 may be defined as a second point A2. Infolding and unfolding motions, the second point A2 may move along athird rotational path Z3.

In an embodiment, the second arms 320 and the second sliding pins 322may rotate about the second arm shafts 321. For example, in a foldingmotion, the second arms 320 and the second sliding pins 322 may rotatein the counterclockwise direction. For example, in an unfolded state,the second sliding pins 322 may be located at the second point A2, andin a folded state, the second sliding pins 322 may be located at aposition spaced apart from the second point A2 in a directionperpendicular to the axial direction. The second sliding pins 322 maymove along a fourth rotational path Z4 in folding and unfolding motions.

In various embodiments, the third rotational path Z3 and the fourthrotational path Z4 may differ from each other. For example, the secondaxis of rotation R2 and the second arm shafts 321 may be parallel toeach other, but may not be in agreement with each other, and the radiiof rotation of the second rotary structure 220 and the second arms 320may not be in agreement with each other.

Accordingly, in folding and unfolding motions, the second arms 320 andthe second sliding pins 322 may slide relative to the second rotarystructure 220. The sliding motion of the second sliding pins 322 and thesecond arms 320 may be guided as the second sliding pins 322 isaccommodated in the second sliding grooves 225 of the second rotarystructure 220. In an embodiment, when a folding motion is performed froman unfolded state, the distance between the second sliding pins 322 andthe second point A2 may increase. When an unfolding motion is performedfrom a fully folded state, the distance between the second sliding pins322 and the second point A2 may decrease.

FIGS. 24A to 24C are views illustrating a third friction structure of ahinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 24Aillustrates an unfolded state and FIG. 24C illustrates a fully foldedstate. FIG. 24B illustrates a free-stop state.

In folding and unfolding motions, the friction plates 361 and 362 mayrotate together with the arms 310 and 320 and may slide relative to thefriction portions 216 and 226 of the rotary structures 210 and 220. In asliding motion, frictional forces may act between the friction portions216 and 226 and the friction plates 361 and 362.

In an embodiment, the hinge structure 200 may be configured such thatcontact areas between the friction portions 216 and 226 and the frictionplates 361 and 362 vary depending on states of the hinge structure 200.In an embodiment, the hinge structure 200 may be configured such thatthe areas of contact surfaces formed by the friction plates 361 and 362and the friction portions 216 and 226 increase with an approach to thefree-stop state.

Referring to FIGS. 24A to 24C, first friction portions 216 and firstfriction plates 361 of a first rotary structure 210 are illustrated.However, the following description may be identically applied to thesecond friction portions 226 and the second friction plates 362 of thesecond rotary structure 220.

In an embodiment, each of the first friction portions 216 may include afirst portion 216 a having a first width W1 and second portions 216 bhaving a second width W2 smaller than the first width W1. In this case,the widths of the first friction portions 216 may be lengths measured inthe axial direction. The second portions 216 b of the first frictionportions 216 may extend from the first portion 216 a to opposite sidesin directions perpendicular to the axial direction. For example, thefirst portion 216 a may be formed between the second portions 216 b whenviewed in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction. Forexample, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial directionfrom the first extending portion 212 of the first rotary structure 210,one of the second portions 216 b may be connected to the first extendingportion 212, the first portion 216 a may extend from the one secondportion 216 b, and the other second portion 216 b may extend from thefirst portion 216 a.

In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first friction portions 216and the first friction plates 361 may form contact surfaces having afirst area AR1. For example, in the unfolded state, at least parts ofthe first friction plates 361 may be disposed to face the secondportions 216 b of the first friction portions 216. For example, parts ofthe first friction plates 361 may be spaced apart from inclined surfaces216-2 of the second portions 216 b, and other parts of the firstfriction plates 361 may make contact with opposite surfaces 216-1 of thefirst portion 216 a.

In an embodiment, in the free-stop state, the first friction portions216 and the first friction plates 361 may form contact surfaces having asecond area AR2. The second area AR2 may be greater than the first areaAR1. For example, the first friction plates 361 may make contact withthe opposite surfaces 216-1 of the first portion 216 a.

In an embodiment, in the fully folded state, the first friction portions216 and the first friction plates 361 may form contact surfaces having athird area AR3. The third area AR3 may be smaller than the second areaAR2. For example, in the fully folded state, at least parts of the firstfriction plates 361 may be disposed to face the second portions 216 b ofthe first friction portions 216. For example, parts of the firstfriction plates 361 may be spaced apart from the inclined surfaces 216-2of the second portions 216 b, and other parts of the first frictionplates 361 may make contact with the opposite surfaces 216-1 of thefirst portion 216 a.

First end portions 215-1 and 225-1 relatively far away from the firstarm shafts 311 (or, the first axis of rotation R1) and second endportions 215-2 and 225-2 relatively close to the first arm shafts 311(or, the first axis of rotation R1) may be defined in each of the firstsliding grooves 215.

In an embodiment, when a folding motion from the unfolded state to thefree-stop state is performed, the first friction plates 361, togetherwith the first sliding pin 312, may move toward the second end portions215-2 and 225-2 of the first sliding grooves 215. At this time, contactareas between the first friction plates 361 and the first frictionportions 216 may increase.

In an embodiment, when an unfolding motion from the fully folded stateto the free-stop state is performed, the first friction plates 361,together with the first sliding pin 312, may move toward the first endportions 215-1 and 225-1 of the first sliding grooves 215. At this time,contact areas between the first friction plates 361 and the firstfriction portions 216 may increase.

The hinge structure 200 according to the embodiment may be configured toprovide a larger frictional force in the free-stop state than in theunfolded state or the fully folded state. The hinge structure 200 maystably maintain any folded state included in a free-stop section byusing the frictional force. Accordingly, the hinge structure 200 mayprovide the free-stop section capable of stably maintaining foldedstates at various angles.

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating part of a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 26A to 26C are views illustrating afourth friction structure of a hinge structure according to anembodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 26A illustrates an unfolded state andFIG. 26C illustrates a fully folded state. FIG. 26B illustrates a foldedstate included in a free-stop section.

Referring to FIG. 25 , in an embodiment, a fourth friction structure 304may include a first cam structure 371 formed on first arms 310, a secondcam structure 372 formed on second arms 320, a cam member 380 coupled tofirst arm shafts 311 and second arm shafts 321, and elastic members 390disposed between a fixing member (e.g., one of the fixing members 330)and the cam member 380. The fixing members 330 may be fixedly disposedinside a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing 130 of FIG. 1 ). Thefixing members 330 may support rotation of the first arm shafts 311 andthe second arm shafts 321.

In an embodiment, the first cam structure 371 may be formed on an areaaround a through-hole of the first arms 310 through which the first armshafts 311 passes. The first cam structure 371 may be engaged with afirst camp portion 381 of the cam member 380. The first cam structure371 may include first protrusions 371 b protruding toward the first camportion 381 of the cam member 380 and first depressions 371 a formedbetween the first protrusions 371 b.

In an embodiment, the second cam structure 372 may be formed on an areaaround a through-hole of the second arms 320 through which the secondarm shafts 321 pass. The second cam structure 372 may be engaged with asecond cam portion 382 of the cam member 380. The second cam structure372 may include second protrusions 372 b protruding toward the secondcam portion 382 of the cam member 380 and second depressions 372 aformed between the second protrusions 372 b.

In an embodiment, the cam member 380 may be formed such that the firstarm shafts 311 and the second arm shafts 321 pass through the cam member380. The cam member 380 may be configured to be movable in an axialdirection along the first arm shafts 311 and the second arm shafts 321.For example, the cam member 380 may be pressed in the axial direction bythe elastic members 390. For example, the cam member 380 may move in theaxial direction to compress the elastic members 390.

In an embodiment, the cam member 380 may include the first cam portion381 engaged with the first cam structure 371, the second cam portion 382engaged with the second cam structure 372, and a connecting portion 383connecting the first cam portion 381 and the second cam portion 382. Inan embodiment, the first cam portion 381 and the second cam portion 382may be moved together in the axial direction by the connecting portion383. In an embodiment, the first cam portion 381 may include thirdprotrusions 381 b protruding toward the first cam structure 371 andthird depressions 381 a formed between the third protrusions 381 b. Inan embodiment, the second cam portion 382 may include fourth protrusions382 b protruding toward the second cam structure 372 and fourthdepressions 382 a formed between the fourth protrusions 382 b.

In an embodiment, the elastic members 390 may be disposed between thecam member 380 and the fixing member (e.g., one of fixing members 330).The elastic members 390 may apply elastic forces to the cam member 380in the axial direction. For example, the compressed elastic members 390may increase a frictional force between the first cam structure 371 andthe first cam portion 381 and a frictional force between the second camstructure 372 and the second cam portion 382.

In the unfolded state, the first protrusions 371 b of the first camstructure 371 may make contact with the third depressions 381 a of thefirst cam portion 381, and the first depressions 371 a of the first camstructure 371 may make contact with the third protrusions 381 b of thefirst cam portion 381. The second protrusions 372 b of the second camstructure 372 may make contact with the fourth depressions 382 a of thesecond cam portion 382, and the second depressions 372 a of the secondcam structure 372 may make contact with the fourth protrusions 382 b ofthe second cam portion 382. At this time, the elastic members 390 may beless compressed than when the hinge structure 200 is in the free-stopsection, or may be in an equilibrium state.

In the folded state included in the free-stop section, the firstprotrusions 371 b of the first cam structure 371 may make contact withthe third protrusions 381 b of the first cam portion 381. The secondprotrusions 372 b of the second cam structure 372 may make contact withthe fourth protrusions 382 b of the second cam portion 382. The cammember 380 may be located closer to the fixing member (e.g., one offixing members 330) than when the hinge structure 200 is in the unfoldedstate, and depending on the movement of the cam member 380, the elasticmembers 390 may be more compressed than when the hinge structure 200 isin the unfolded state.

In the fully folded state, the first protrusions 371 b of the first camstructure 371 may make contact with the third depressions 381 a of thefirst cam portion 381, and the first depressions 371 a of the first camstructure 371 may make contact with the third protrusions 381 b of thefirst cam portion 381. The second protrusions 372 b of the second camstructure 372 may make contact with the fourth depressions 382 a of thesecond cam portion 382, and the second depressions 372 a of the secondcam structure 372 may make contact with the fourth protrusions 382 b ofthe second cam portion 382. At this time, the elastic members 390 may beless compressed than when the hinge structure 200 is in the free-stopsection, or may be in an equilibrium state.

In the folded state included in the free-stop section, the compressedelastic members 390 may form a larger frictional force between the firstcam structure 371 and the first cam portion 381 and may form a largerfrictional force between the second cam structure 372 and the second camportion 382. The frictional forces may act in directions opposite tomovements of the first arms 310 and the second arms 320. Due to thefrictional forces, larger forces may be required to rotate the firstarms 310 and the second arms 320.

For example, a driving force required to perform an unfolding or foldingmotion from the folded state included in the free-stop section may begreater than a driving force required to perform an unfolding or foldingmotion from the unfolded state or the fully folded state. That is, inthe free-stop section, the hinge structure 200 may stably maintain thefolded state by the engagement of the cam structures 371 and 372 and thecam member 380. Accordingly, the hinge structure 200 may provide thefree-stop section capable of stably maintaining folded states at variousangles.

When the hinge structure 200 deviates from the free-stop section andmoves to the unfolded state or the fully folded state, the contactbetween the first protrusions 371 b and the third protrusions 381 b maybe released, and the first protrusions 371 b and the third protrusions381 b may move toward the third depressions 381 a and the firstdepressions 371 a. Furthermore, the contact between the secondprotrusions 372 b and the fourth protrusions 382 b may be released, andthe second protrusions 372 b and the fourth protrusions 382 b may movetoward the fourth depressions 382 a and the second depressions 372 a. Atthis time, the compressed elastic members 390 may be uncompressed andmay more rapidly move the protrusions 371 b, 372 b, 381 b, and 382 b.This may be understood as conversion of potential energy stored in thecompressed elastic members 390 into kinetic energy.

When the hinge structure 200 moves from the unfolded state and the fullyfolded state to the free-stop section, the first protrusions 371 b andthe third protrusions 381 b may move along inclined surfaces to makesurface-to-surface contact with each other. Furthermore, the secondprotrusions 372 b and the fourth protrusions 382 b may move alonginclined surfaces to make surface-to-surface contact with each other. Atthis time, the cam member 380 may move toward the fixing member (e.g.,one of the fixing members 330 in the axial direction) along the firstarm shafts 311 and the second arm shafts 321, and the elastic members390 may be compressed. That is, for a movement of the hinge structure200 to the free-stop section, a relatively larger force may be requiredto compress the elastic members 390 than when the hinge structure 200moves from the free-stop section.

Accordingly, when a relatively small force is applied, the electronicdevice 100 and/or the hinge structure 200 in the unfolded state or thefully folded state may remain unfolded or fully folded without moving tothe free-stop state (e.g., without being folded or unfolded). Forexample, a user needs to apply a force sufficient to fold the electronicdevice 100.

The hinge structure 200 according to the embodiment may be configured torapidly move to the unfolded state or the fully folded state whendeviating from the free-stop section. The hinge structure 200 havingmoved to the unfolded state or the fully folded state may remainunfolded or fully folded, when a sufficient force required for deviationfrom the unfolded state or the fully folded state is not applied.Through the above-described motion of the hinge structure 200, the usermay recognize that the unfolded state or the fully folded state of theelectronic device 100 is firmly maintained.

Furthermore, when the hinge structure 200 moves from the free-stopsection to the unfolded state or the fully folded state, the compressedelastic members 390 may be uncompressed, and the protrusions 371 b, 372b, 381 b, and 382 b may collide with the depressions 371 a, 372 a, 381a, and 382 a. The collision may generate sound or vibration, therebyenabling the user to recognize that the electronic device 100successfully reaches the unfolded state and the fully folded state.

A hinge structure 200 according to embodiments of the disclosure mayinclude a fixed structure 230 including a first guide rail 233 having anarc shape and a second guide rail 234 having an arc shape, in which thecenter of an arc of the first guide rail is a first axis of rotation R1parallel to an axial direction and the center of an arc of the secondguide rail is a second axis of rotation R2 parallel to the axialdirection, a first rotary structure 210 that includes a first guideportion 213 accommodated in the first guide rail 233 and a first helicalgroove 214 extending around and along the first axis of rotation R1 andthat rotates about the first axis of rotation R1, a second rotarystructure 220 that includes a second guide portion 223 accommodated inthe second guide rail 234 and a second helical groove 224 extendingaround and along the second axis of rotation R2 and that rotates aboutthe second axis of rotation R2, and a sliding structure 240 thatincludes a first guide protrusion 241 accommodated in the first helicalgroove 214 and a second guide protrusion 242 accommodated in the secondhelical groove 224 and that slides in the axial direction relative tothe fixed structure 230 as the first rotary structure 210 and the secondrotary structure 220 rotate.

In various embodiments, the first rotary structure 210 may include afirst coupling portion 211 having a substantially cylindrical shape andincluding a first arc surface 211 a with the first axis of rotation R1as the center thereof. The first guide portion 213 may include aprotruding portion protruding in a direction of the first axis ofrotation R1 and accommodated in the first guide rail 233. The firsthelical groove 214 may be formed on the first arc surface 211 a. Thesecond rotary structure 220 may include a second coupling portion 221having a substantially cylindrical shape and including a second arcsurface 221 a with the second axis of rotation R2 as the center thereof.The second guide portion 223 may include a protruding portion protrudingin a direction of the second axis of rotation R2 and accommodated in thesecond guide rail 234. The second helical groove 224 may be formed onthe second arc surface 221 a.

In various embodiments, the fixed structure 230 may include a slidingshaft 2351, 2352 extending in the axial direction, and the slidingstructure 240 may be slidably coupled to the sliding shaft 2351, 2352.

In various embodiments, the first helical groove 214 may extend in adirection of the first axis of rotation R1 by a first length D and mayextend at a first angle θ1 in a first rotational direction with respectto the first axis of rotation R1, and the second helical groove 224 mayextend in a direction of the second axis of rotation R2 by a secondlength D substantially the same as the first length D and may extend ata second angle θ2 substantially the same as the first angle in a secondrotational direction with respect to the second axis of rotation R2, thesecond rotational direction being opposite to the first rotationaldirection.

In various embodiments, the sliding structure 240 may be configured toslide in the axial direction by the first length D.

In various embodiments, the first helical groove 214 may extend in adirection to form a first twist angle θ_(t1) with respect to thedirection of the first axis of rotation R1, and the second helicalgroove 224 may extend in a direction to form a second twist angle θ_(t2)with respect to the direction of the second axis of rotation R2, thesecond twist angle being equal to the first twist angle.

In various embodiments, the first guide protrusion 241 and the secondguide protrusion 242 may be located between the first axis of rotationR1 and the second axis of rotation R2 when viewed in the axialdirection.

In various embodiments, the sliding structure 240 may include the firstarea 240 a that faces the fixed structure 230, the second area 240 bthat faces away from the first area 240 a, and the sliding groove 243formed through the first area and the second area. The fixed structure230 may include the facing area 230 a that faces the first area 240 a ofthe sliding structure 240 and the screw 238 protruding from the facingarea 230 a. The screw 238 may penetrate the sliding structure 240 bypassing through the sliding groove 243.

In various embodiments, the sliding groove 243 may extend in the axialdirection by a first length D, and the first helical groove 214 and thesecond helical groove 224 may extend by the first length D when viewedin the axial direction.

In various embodiments, the sliding structure 240 may be configured tomove to one side along the axial direction until the screw 238 makescontact with the first end portion 243-1 of the sliding groove 243 andmove to an opposite side along the axial direction until the screw 238makes contact with the second end portion 243-2 of the sliding groove243.

In various embodiments, the screw 238 may include the head 2382 disposedon the second area 240 b of the sliding structure 240 and the body 2381that passes through the sliding groove 243 and that extends from thehead 2382 to the fixed structure 230. The hinge structure may furtherinclude the elastic member 251 that is disposed between the head 2382and the second area 240 b and that presses the sliding structure 240toward the fixed structure 230.

In various embodiments, the sliding structure 240 may include aplurality of first protrusions 240 p that are formed on the first area240 a around the sliding groove 243 and that protrude toward the fixedstructure 230. The fixed structure 230 may include a plurality of secondprotrusions 230 p formed on the facing area 230 a thereof and engagedwith the plurality of first protrusions 240 p. The elastic member 251may be configured to be compressed when the first protrusions 240 p andthe second protrusions 230 p are engaged to make surface-to-surfacecontact with each other.

In various embodiments, the fixed structure 230 may include a firstextending shaft 351 extending to one side along the axial direction andthe second extending shaft 352 extending to an opposite side along theaxial direction. Each of the first extending shaft 351 and the secondextending shaft 352 may be configured to pass through a portion of thesliding structure 240. The sliding structure 240 may include the firstshaft tightening member 353 through which the first extending shaft 351passes and that is at least partially press-fit onto the first extendingshaft 351 and the second shaft tightening member 354 through which thesecond extending shaft 352 passes and that is at least partiallypress-fit onto the second extending shaft 352.

In various embodiments, the first shaft tightening member 353 mayinclude a plurality of first slits (e.g., slits 3533) located in aradial direction with respect to the first extending shaft 351, and theplurality of first slits may be formed on an inner circumferentialsurface of the first shaft tightening member 353 and may extend alongthe axial direction. The second shaft tightening member 354 may includea plurality of second slits (e.g., slits 3533) located in a radialdirection with respect to the second extending shaft 352, and theplurality of second slits may be formed on an inner circumferentialsurface of the second shaft tightening member 354 and extend along theaxial direction.

In various embodiments, the first shaft tightening member 353 and thesecond shaft tightening member 354 may have threads 3531 formed on outersurfaces thereof. The hinge structure may further include nuts 355 thatare fastened to the threads 3531 and that are movable in the axialdirection relative to the first shaft tightening member 353 and thesecond shaft tightening member 354 along the threads. The nuts 355 maybe configured to press-fit the first shaft tightening member 353 ontothe first extending shaft 351 and press-fit the second shaft tighteningmember 354 onto the second extending shaft 352.

In various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include firstarm shafts 311 extending parallel to the first axis of rotation R1 fromthe fixed structure 230, first arms 310 that rotate about the first armshafts 311 and that include a first sliding pin 312 parallel to thefirst arm shafts 311, second arm shafts 321 extending parallel to thesecond axis of rotation R2 from the fixed structure 230, and second arms320 that rotate about the second arm shafts 321 and that include secondsliding pins 322 parallel to the second arm shafts 321. The first arms310 may be configured to slide relative to the first rotary structure210 in a state in which the first sliding pin 312 is accommodated in thefirst sliding grooves 215 of the first rotary structure 210. The secondarms 320 may be configured to slide relative to the second rotarystructure 220 in a state in which the second sliding pins 322 areaccommodated in second sliding grooves 225 of the second rotarystructure 220.

In various embodiments, the first rotary structure 210 may include firstfriction portions 216 including the first sliding grooves 215 andextending in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation R1,and the second rotary structure 220 may include second friction portions226 including the second sliding grooves 225 and extending in adirection perpendicular to the second axis of rotation R2. The hingestructure may further include first friction plates 361 that makessurface-to-surface contact with the first friction portions 216 and thatis coupled to the first sliding pin 312 to rotate about the first armshafts 311 together with the first arms 310 and second friction plates362 that makes surface-to-surface contact with the second frictionportions 226 and that is coupled to the second sliding pins 322 torotate about the second arm shafts 321 together with the second arms320.

In various embodiments, each of the first friction portions 216 and thesecond friction portions 226 may include a first portion 216 a that hasa first length W1 when viewed in the axial direction and that makessurface-to-surface contact with each of the first friction plates 361and the second friction plates 362 and second portions 216 b that has asecond length W2 smaller than the first length W1 and that is spacedapart from each of the first friction plates 361 and the second frictionplates 362. The second portions 216 b may be connected to opposite sidesof the first portion 216 a in a direction perpendicular to the axialdirection.

In various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include the cammember 380 coupled to the first arm shafts 311 and the second arm shafts321 to move in the axial direction along the first arm shafts 311 andthe second arm shafts 321 and elastic members 390 that applies anelastic force to the cam member 380. The first arms 310 may include afirst cam structure 371 formed on an area around a through-hole of thefirst arm through which the first arm shafts 311 pass. The second arms320 may include the second cam structure 372 formed on an area around athrough-hole of the second arm through which the second arm shafts 321pass. The cam member 380 may include the first cam portion 381 engagedwith the first cam structure 371 and the second cam portion 382 engagedwith the second cam structure 372. The first cam portion 381 and thefirst cam structure 371 may be configured to move the cam member 380 ina direction in which the elastic members 390 is compressed or in adirection in which the elastic members 390 is uncompressed, in responseto rotation of the first arms 310. The second cam portion 382 and thesecond cam structure 372 may be configured to move the cam member 380 inthe direction in which the elastic members 390 are compressed or in thedirection in which the elastic members 390 is uncompressed, in responseto rotation of the second arms 320.

In various embodiments, in a section in which the first arms 310 and thesecond arms 320 are disposed at an angle of not less than a first angleand not more than a second angle, the first cam structure 371 and thefirst cam portion 381 may maintain a state in which protruding portionsthereof are engaged with each other, the second cam structure 372 andthe second cam portion 382 may maintain a state in which protrudingportions thereof are engaged with each other, and the elastic members390 may maintain a predetermined compressed state.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the presentdisclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit thetechnological features set forth herein to particular embodiments andinclude various changes, equivalents, or replacements for acorresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of thedrawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar orrelated elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a nouncorresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unlessthe relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, eachof such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one ofA or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least oneof A, B, or C,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations ofthe items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. Asused herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” maybe used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another,and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance ororder). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a firstelement) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or“communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or“connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means thatthe element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g.,wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, “adapted to or configured to”, depending on the context,for example, hardware or software “suitable for,” “having the abilityto,” “modified to, Can be used interchangeably with “made to,” “capableof,” or “designed to.” In some contexts, the expression “a deviceconfigured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” with otherdevices or components. For example, the phrase “a processor configured(or configured to perform) A, B, and C” refers to a dedicated processor(e.g., an embedded processor), or one or more programs stored in amemory device, for performing the corresponding operations, therebyexecuting one or more programs; It may mean a general-purpose processor(e.g., CPU or AP) capable of performing corresponding operations.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented inhardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used withother terms, for example, “logic”, “logic block”, “part”, or“circuitry”. A “module” may be implemented mechanically orelectronically, for example, known or to be developed,application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), or a programmable logic device.

At least a portion of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof)or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may beimplemented as instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium(e.g., memory) in the form of a program module. When the instruction isexecuted by a processor (e.g., a processor), the processor may perform afunction corresponding to the instruction. Computer-readable recordingmedia include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (e.g., magnetictape), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical media(e.g., floppy disks), built-in memory, etc.) An instruction may includecode generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by aninterpreter.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or aprogram) of the above-described components may include a single entityor multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more ofthe above-described components may be omitted, or one or more othercomponents may be added.

Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modulesor programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case,according to various embodiments, the integrated component may stillperform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components inthe same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding oneof the plurality of components before the integration. According tovarious embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, oranother component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel,repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may beexecuted in a different order or omitted, or one or more otheroperations may be added.

The electronic device according to the embodiments of the disclosure mayinclude the hinge structure that provides torque greater than or equalto the restoring force of the display. Accordingly, a folding motion ofthe foldable electronic device or a folded state desired by a user maybe stably maintained.

Furthermore, the hinge structures according to the embodiments of thedisclosure may provide torque sufficient to cancel out the restoringforce of the display without an increase in the thickness of theelectronic device.

In addition, the disclosure may provide various effects that aredirectly or indirectly recognized.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hinge structure comprising: a fixedstructure comprising a first guide rail and a second guide rail, thefirst guide rail and the second guide rail having an arc shape, a centerof an arc of the first guide rail being a first axis of rotationparallel to an axial direction, and a center of an arc of the secondguide rail being a second axis of rotation parallel to the axialdirection; a first rotary structure comprising a first guide portion anda first helical groove, the first guide portion being accommodated inthe first guide rail, the first helical groove extending at leastpartially around the first rotary structure and along a portion of thefirst rotary structure, the first rotary structure being configured torotate about the first axis of rotation; a second rotary structurecomprising a second guide portion and a second helical groove, thesecond guide portion being accommodated in the second guide rail, thesecond helical groove extending at least partially around the secondrotary structure and along a portion of the second rotary structure, thesecond rotary structure being configured to rotate about the second axisof rotation; and a sliding structure comprising a first guide protrusionand a second guide protrusion, the first guide protrusion beingaccommodated in the first helical groove, the second guide protrusionbeing accommodated in the second helical groove, the sliding structurebeing configured to slide in the axial direction relative to the fixedstructure in response to the first rotary structure and the secondrotary structure rotating.
 2. The hinge structure of claim 1, whereinthe first rotary structure further comprises a first coupling portionhaving a substantially cylindrical shape and including a first arcsurface, the first axis of rotation being a center of the first arcsurface, wherein the first guide portion comprises a protruding portionprotruding in a direction of the first axis of rotation and accommodatedin the first guide rail, wherein the first helical groove is formed onthe first arc surface, wherein the second rotary structure furthercomprises a second coupling portion having a substantially cylindricalshape and including a second arc surface, the second axis of rotationbeing a center of the second arc surface, wherein the second guideportion includes a protruding portion protruding in a direction of thesecond axis of rotation and accommodated in the second guide rail, andwherein the second helical groove is formed on the second arc surface.3. The hinge structure of claim 1, wherein the fixed structure furthercomprises a sliding shaft extending in the axial direction, and whereinthe sliding structure is slidably coupled to the sliding shaft.
 4. Thehinge structure of claim 1, wherein the first helical groove extends ina direction of the first axis of rotation by a first length at a firstangle in a first rotational direction with respect to the first axis ofrotation, and wherein the second helical groove extends in a directionof the second axis of rotation by a second length substantially equal tothe first length at a second angle substantially equal to the firstangle in a second rotational direction with respect to the second axisof rotation, the second rotational direction being opposite to the firstrotational direction.
 5. The hinge structure of claim 4, wherein thesliding structure is further configured to slide in the axial directionby the first length.
 6. The hinge structure of claim 4, wherein thefirst helical groove extends in a direction and forms a first twistangle with respect to the direction of the first axis of rotation, andwherein the second helical groove extends in a direction and forms asecond twist angle with respect to the direction of the second axis ofrotation, the second twist angle being equal to the first twist angle.7. The hinge structure of claim 1, wherein the first guide protrusionand the second guide protrusion are located between the first axis ofrotation and the second axis of rotation when viewed in the axialdirection.
 8. The hinge structure of claim 1, wherein the slidingstructure further comprises: a first area configured to face the fixedstructure, a second area configured to face away from the first area,and a sliding groove formed through the first area and the second area,wherein the fixed structure further comprises a facing area and a fixingmember, the facing area being configured to face the first area of thesliding structure and the fixing member protruding from the facing area,and wherein the fixing member penetrates the sliding structure bypassing through the sliding groove.
 9. The hinge structure of claim 8,wherein the sliding groove extends in the axial direction by a firstlength, and wherein the first helical groove and the second helicalgroove extend by the first length when measured in the axial direction.10. The hinge structure of claim 8, wherein the sliding structure isfurther configured to: move to one side along the axial direction untilthe fixing member contacts a first end portion of the sliding groove,and move to an opposite side along the axial direction until the fixingmember contacts a second end portion of the sliding groove.
 11. Thehinge structure of claim 8, wherein the fixing member comprises a headand a body, the head being disposed on the second area of the slidingstructure, the body extending from the head to the fixed structure andbeing configured to pass through the sliding groove, and wherein thehinge structure further comprises an elastic member disposed between thehead and the second area, and wherein the elastic member is configuredto press the sliding structure towards the fixed structure.
 12. Thehinge structure of claim 11, wherein the sliding structure furthercomprises a plurality of first protrusions formed on the first areaaround the sliding groove and protruding toward the fixed structure,wherein the fixed structure further comprises a plurality of secondprotrusions formed on the facing area and engaged with the plurality offirst protrusions, and wherein, in response to the first protrusions andthe second protrusions being engaged and making surface-to-surfacecontact with each other, the elastic member gets compressed.
 13. Thehinge structure of claim 1, wherein the fixed structure furthercomprises a first extending shaft extending to one side along the axialdirection and a second extending shaft extending to an opposite sidealong the axial direction, wherein each of the first extending shaft andthe second extending shaft is configured to pass through a portion ofthe sliding structure, and wherein the sliding structure furthercomprises: a first shaft tightening member through which the firstextending shaft passes, the first shaft tightening member being at leastpartially press-fit onto the first extending shaft, and a second shafttightening member through which the second extending shaft passes, thesecond shaft tightening member being at least partially press-fit ontothe second extending shaft.
 14. The hinge structure of claim 13, whereinthe first shaft tightening member comprises a plurality of first slitslocated in a radial direction with respect to the first extending shaft,wherein the plurality of first slits are formed on an innercircumferential surface of the first shaft tightening member and extendalong the axial direction, wherein the second shaft tightening membercomprises a plurality of second slits located in a radial direction withrespect to the second extending shaft, and wherein the plurality ofsecond slits are formed on an inner circumferential surface of thesecond shaft tightening member and extend along the axial direction. 15.The hinge structure of claim 13, wherein the first shaft tighteningmember and the second shaft tightening member have threads formed onouter surfaces thereof, wherein the hinge structure further comprises anut fastened to the threads of the first shaft tightening member and anut fastened to the threads of the second shaft tightening member, andwherein the nuts are configured to: move in the axial direction relativeto the first shaft tightening member and the second shaft tighteningmember along the threads, press-fit the first shaft tightening memberonto the first extending shaft, and press-fit the second shafttightening member onto the second extending shaft.
 16. The hingestructure of claim 1, further comprising: a first arm shaft extendingfrom the fixed structure and being parallel to the first axis ofrotation; a first arm configured to rotate about the first arm shaft,the first arm including a first sliding pin parallel to the first armshaft; a second arm shaft extending from the fixed structure and beingparallel to the second axis of rotation; and a second arm configured torotate about the second arm shaft, the second arm including a secondsliding pin parallel to the second arm shaft, wherein the first arm isconfigured to slide relative to the first rotary structure in a state inwhich the first sliding pin is accommodated in a first sliding groove ofthe first rotary structure, and wherein the second arm is configured toslide relative to the second rotary structure in a state in which thesecond sliding pin is accommodated in a second sliding groove of thesecond rotary structure.
 17. The hinge structure of claim 16, whereinthe first rotary structure further comprises a first friction portionincluding the first sliding groove and extending in a directionperpendicular to the first axis of rotation, wherein the second rotarystructure further comprises a second friction portion including thesecond sliding groove and extending in a direction perpendicular to thesecond axis of rotation, and wherein the hinge structure furthercomprises: a first friction plate coupled to the first sliding pin andconfigured to make surface-to-surface contact with the first frictionportion and rotate about the first arm shaft together with the firstarm, and a second friction plate coupled to the second sliding pin andconfigured to make surface-to-surface contact with the second frictionportion and rotate about the second arm shaft together with the secondarm.
 18. The hinge structure of claim 17, wherein each of the firstfriction portion and the second friction portion comprises: a firstportion having a first length when viewed perpendicular to the axialdirection, the first portion being configured to make surface-to-surfacecontact with each of the first friction plate and the second frictionplate, and two second portions respectively extending from oppositesides of the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the axialdirection, each second portion having a second length smaller than thefirst length, the second portions being spaced apart from each of thefirst friction plate and the second friction plate.
 19. The hingestructure of claim 16, further comprising: a cam member coupled to thefirst arm shaft and the second arm shaft, the cam member beingconfigured to move in the axial direction along the first arm shaft andthe second arm shaft; and an elastic member configured to apply anelastic force to the cam member, wherein the first arm comprises a firstcam structure formed on an area around a through-hole of the first armthrough which the first arm shaft passes, wherein the second armcomprises a second cam structure formed on an area around a through-holeof the second arm through which the second arm shaft passes, wherein thecam member comprises a first cam portion engaged with the first camstructure and a second cam portion engaged with the second camstructure, wherein the first cam portion and the first cam structure areconfigured to, based on a rotation of the first arm, move the cam memberin a direction in which the elastic member is compressed or move the cammember in a direction in which the elastic member is uncompressed, andwherein the second cam portion and the second cam structure areconfigured to, based on a rotation of the second arm, move the cammember in the direction in which the elastic member is compressed ormove the cam member in the direction in which the elastic member isuncompressed.
 20. The hinge structure of claim 19, wherein, in a sectionin which the first arm and the second arm are disposed with respect eachother at an angle of not less than a first angle and not more than asecond angle, the first cam structure and the first cam portion maintaina state in which protruding portions thereof are engaged with eachother, the second cam structure and the second cam portion maintain astate in which protruding portions thereof are engaged with each other,and the elastic member maintains a predetermined compressed state. 21.The hinge structure of claim 19, wherein the hinge structure isconfigured to maintain a folded state based on the first cam structureand the second cam structure being engaged with the cam member, andbased on the first cam structure and the second cam structure beingengaged with the cam member, the hinge structure stably maintains foldedstates at various angles of a folding of the hinge structure.
 22. Thehinge structure of claim 1, wherein, in response to the hinge structuresuccessfully reaching one of an unfolded state in which the hingestructure is open at a greatest angle, or a fully folded state in whichthe hinge structure is closed having a smallest angle, sound orvibration occurs indicating that the hinge structure successfullyreaches the one of the unfolded state or the fully folded state.